The aged care assessment
The assessment is part of the process of receiving support funded by the Australian Government. It is usually done face to face and is nothing to be afraid of.
It can be done in your home or at another suitable place. Having your client record at My Aged Care means the assessment team won’t need to ask you to repeat your story. Assessors are skilled and trained and can identify the right services for a wide range of clients.
The assessment is guided by a document known as the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). This ensures a consistent screening process that is focused on you, the client.
This is the time for you to speak up and to state what you are still able to do for yourself and what help you need.
Remember, working through your goals, interests and preferences will help you make informed choices about the assistance you would like. Two sets of ears are always more handy than one so it’s a good idea to have someone else with you.
There are no right or wrong answers, so just be as honest as possible. Some questions you could consider are:
- What is important to me (if this includes things like living in a clean house, or doing the gardening, or having clean windows, then mention this.)
- What do I most enjoy doing?
- What makes my life enjoyable and meaningful?
- What’s good right now and what’s not?
- What’s missing? What would I have if I could choose anything?
- What sort of things might help to improve my day-to-day life?
- What support do I need to remain safe and well?
- Where and when do I want that support to be available?
- How do I want to be supported and by whom?
- How much could I be asked to contribute to my care costs?
