What is an ACAT assessment?
To be approved for a Support at Home package, you will need to undergo an ACAT assessment. This assessment is carried out to understand your care needs and establish the care level you’re entitled to. Support at Home packages are available in eight levels – Level 1 for the lowest care needs up to Level 8 for high care.
The in-home assessment will ask questions about your needs around the home, medical issues and any social, emotional, cognitive needs you may have. The assessment usually takes around an hour and family or friends can be present to support you. Your assessor may also ask you permission to talk to your doctor to discuss your medical history.
When to get an ACAT assessment?
Getting started with the home care process when you first begin to find it harder to manage at home is a good idea.
Make the call to My Aged Care sooner rather than later.
It could be that you’re finding it hard to clean or maintain your property, or that you need extra help with transportation. You may just be finding that your mobility and other health issues are starting to make it hard to get out and socialise. Support at Home packages can help with all of these areas.
From the initial call to My Aged Care it can take up to six weeks to get an appointment for an ACAT assessment and then longer to get your letter that lets you know what level of Support at Home you’re eligible for.
You’ll then enter the queue until a package becomes available.
It’s important to understand that you will probably be faced with a wait – especially for those higher level packages. Starting the process early can help you get in the system and start getting some help, even if it’s on a lower level package initially.
What to do while you’re waiting for a home care package
Waiting for your home care package to come through can be a frustrating experience, but there are some ways you can ensure you are receiving support while you wait.
Private home care services can be a good interim measure if you need help at home. Home care providers can offer fee for service assistance so you only pay for the care and services you need. Many often offer short-term care, too.
This is a good way to establish a relationship with a service provider and will ensure a seamless transition when your package comes through.
The waiting period can also be used to shop around and decide on a home care provider.
How to get help with ACAT assessments
The My Aged Care system can be confusing so don’t feel you’ve got to go through it alone. Envigor can help walk you through your home care options, assist you in applying for an ACAT assessment, and help support you while you wait for your package.
