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My Aged Care Assessment Guide: How to Prepare and Get the Right Support

The My Aged Care assessment is the first step to accessing government-funded aged care in Australia. If you are not prepared, you may be approved for a lower level of support than you actually need.

This guide shows you how to prepare, what to expect, and how to make sure your needs are properly assessed.

Why the My Aged Care Assessment Matters

Your initial assessment decides what level of care you can access. This includes:

If your needs are understated, you may only receive entry-level support instead of the help you require.

Read more about Support at Home services provided by Kanda

Be Honest: Use the “Worst Day” Approach

Many people downplay their struggles. This can lead to lower support levels.

What to do

  • Describe your worst day, not your best
  • Be clear about what you struggle with
  • Do not say you are “fine” if you are not

Focus on Daily Living Activities

Assessors look at:

  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, mobility
  • Instrumental Activities (IADLs): cooking, shopping, managing money, medications

If these are getting harder, say it clearly.

What to Prepare Before Your My Aged Care Call

The first call takes around 5 to 10 minutes. Being ready helps you get through it properly.

Have these ready:

Identification

  • Medicare card
  • Driver’s licence, passport, or DVA card

Medical details

  • List of conditions
  • GP contact details

Supporting documents

  • Specialist reports (physio, OT, etc.)

Current support

  • Help from family, friends, or paid services

Common Questions in the My Aged Care Screening

You will be asked questions to assess your needs.

Be ready to answer:

  • What help do you need at home?
  • Have you had any falls or hospital visits?
  • Have you lost weight recently?
  • Do you feel safe at home?
  • Are you feeling lonely, anxious, or forgetful?
  • Answer honestly and don’t minimise your situation.

What Happens in an ACAT Assessment (Face-to-Face Visit)

If eligible, you will receive a home visit from an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT). This usually takes 45 to 75 minutes.

How to prepare

Have a support person present
A family member or carer can help explain your needs.

Show your real living conditions
Do not tidy away challenges. If something is unsafe or difficult, show it.

Expect a home walkthrough
They may check for:

  • Fall risks
  • Mobility issues
  • Bathroom safety

Ask for Multiple Approvals

Even if you only want help at home now, request approval for:

These approvals do not expire and can save time later.

Use a Carer Statement to Strengthen Your Assessment

A carer statement gives a clear picture of your daily challenges.

It should include:

  • What help is provided
  • How often support is needed
  • What tasks are difficult

This can help you qualify for higher-level support.

My Aged Care Assessment Checklist

  • Register with My Aged Care (1800 200 422)
  • Gather ID and medical documents
  • List tasks that are becoming harder
  • Prepare honest answers
  • Arrange a support person
  • Request broader approvals

Expert Tip: Focus on Independence

The goal of aged care support is to help you stay independent for as long as possible. Being prepared helps you get the right level of care from the start.

Get Help Before Your Assessment

If you are about to go through My Aged Care, getting it right the first time matters.

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Aged Care in Australia: Costly Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating aged care in Australia can be complex. Mistakes can cost time, money, and access to the right support.

Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Waiting for a Crisis

Many families only act after a fall or hospital visit. Instead, it is better to start planning early, have conversations before urgent decisions are needed, and set up legal and financial structures in advance.

Downplaying Needs During Assessment

Saying “I’m fine” can lead to lower care levels. This matters because you may only qualify for basic services instead of Home Care Packages or ongoing support programs. It is important to be honest about both ADLs and IADLs.

Not Understanding In-Home Care Options

Aged care is not just nursing homes. There is a wide range of support available, including cleaning and meals, personal care, nursing and therapy, as well as transport and social support. The Support at Home program, introduced from July 1, 2025, combines these services into one system based on your level of need.

Informal Granny Flat Arrangements

Living with family without a formal agreement can create problems. This can lead to a reduced Age Pension, legal disputes, or incorrect asset assessment. It is important to formalise the arrangement properly.

Important Legal Steps to Take

You should set up an Enduring Power of Attorney, arrange Enduring Guardianship, and ensure all identification documents are current.

Plan Early and Be Clear

Access to aged care depends on clear and honest information. If you prepare early and understand the system, you are more likely to receive the support you need.

Frequently asked questions

The initial call takes 5 to 10 minutes. A full ACAT assessment takes 45 to 75 minutes.

RAS is for basic, entry-level support. ACAT is for higher-level care, including Home Care Packages and residential care.

Yes. If your needs change, you can request a new assessment.

The Australian Government calculates your co-contribution—specifically the income-tested care fee or accommodation contribution—by conducting a formal assessment of your financial situation. This evaluation looks at both your income and your assets to categorise you into one of three groups:
- Fully-supported resident: The government covers your accommodation costs.
- Partially-supported resident: You and the government share the accommodation costs.
-Full market price payer: You are responsible for the full cost of your accommodation.

Get Started - Register with My Aged care

Phone: Call 1800 200 422. This is the primary way to start. The contact center is open Monday to Friday (8 am – 8 pm) and Saturday (10 am – 2 pm). Have your Medicare card ready.

In Person: You can visit an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSO) at select Services Australia service centers. They can provide face-to-face help to check your eligibility and make a referral for an assessment. You can book an appointment by calling 1800 227 475.

Online: You can also apply for an assessment directly via the My Aged Care website using their online application tool.

Call My Aged Care (opens in new tab) How to get assessed (opens in new tab)