Time evaporates when you get the call you need to find an aged care home – and soon.

The first step is to book an ACAT assessment by a government Aged Care Assessment Team – the ACAT Team.

This assessment lets you know the level of care that can be government provided. They need this information. But…what’s involved? Well, the ACAT team member comes to you in your mum or dad’s home to assess their unique care needs, including medical, physical, psychological and social needs. It’s a very informal chat that usually takes 45 to 75 minutes.

You organise an ACAT assessment by contacting My Aged Care by phone on 1800 200 422. ACAT appointments can take up to 6 weeks to book and then up to two weeks to receive your report in the mail, so it’s best not to wait. An urgent ACAT assessment can also be requested by your GP or a hospital social worker. 

What’s next? With your written ACAT report you can start looking for an aged care home. And there’s a lot more information and paperwork that you will need.  Our strong advice is to invest the time to understand all the steps laid out here at agedcare101, where aged care is made easy.