My Aged Care Assessments - What happens

A My Aged Care assessment is how the government works out what help you're eligible for.

It's free, and it's a conversation, not a test.

You can't fail it, and you won't be forced to make any decisions on the spot. Its whole purpose is to understand how you're managing and what would help you live well.

Which My Aged Care assessment will I have?

Since the Single Assessment System began, there's one application that leads to one of two assessment types, and you'll be matched to the right one:

• a home support assessment, for lower or entry-level needs
• a comprehensive assessment, for higher or more complex needs, including residential care.

Where and how does it happen?

Most My Aged Care assessments happen in your own home, which also lets the assessor see how you manage day to day. Sometimes they take place in a hospital or clinic, or by phone or video, depending on your situation. The assessor will contact you to arrange a time that suits.

One heads-up: the assessor may call from a private or "No Caller ID" number. If you miss them, they'll usually try again, and you can call My Aged Care back on 1800 200 422 to check.

What will the My Aged Care assessor ask about?

They'll have a friendly chat about how you're going, covering things like:

• your general health and any medical conditions
• how you manage daily tasks: showering, dressing, cooking, cleaning, shopping
• getting around, both at home and out in the community
• your medications
• your safety at home
• who already helps you, including family or a carer
• what matters to you, and the things you'd like to keep doing.

The most important tip: be honest about your hard days

Many people instinctively put on a brave face and say "I'm fine." It's natural, but it can lead to an outcome that doesn't reflect how much help you really need. Describe how you manage on a difficult day, not just a good one. If something is a struggle, say so. This isn't complaining, it's giving the assessor the full picture so they can recommend the right level of support.

Who can be with you during a My Aged Care assessment?

You can have someone with you for support: a family member, friend or registered supporter. It's a good idea. Another person can help you remember things, take notes, and make sure nothing important gets missed. Let the assessor know if you'd like someone there.

If you'd like help in your language, you can use an interpreter. Call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450, or ask My Aged Care to arrange one.

What to have ready for your My Aged Care assessment?

• ID: your Medicare card and one other form of ID, such as a driver's licence, DVA card, health care card or passport.
• Medical information: any referrals or reports from your doctor, plus your GP's contact details.
• A list of your medicines.
• A list of what you find hard, and what support you already get. Jotting this down beforehand really helps.
• Your goals: a note of what's important to you and what you'd like to keep doing or get back to.

What happens after the My Ages Care assessment?

The assessor will usually leave some information with you. After that, you'll receive a Notice of Decision letter, generally within about two weeks. It tells you:

• what services you've been approved for
• your priority category, which affects how long you'll wait for funding
• your referral code, which you give to your chosen provider
• a copy of your support plan
• how to seek a review if you disagree with the outcome.

If you don't agree with the result, for example your priority or the services approved, you have the right to ask for it to be reviewed. Your letter explains how.

Your rights during the My Aged Care assessment

• You will be treated with dignity and respect.
• You won't be forced to make decisions during the assessment.
• Your culture, identity and beliefs should be respected.
• You can have a support person and an interpreter.

(See "Choice, dignity, respect: your rights in aged care" for the full picture.)

Quick prep checklist

• Arrange a support person to be there.
• Write down what you find hard, on a bad day.
• Gather your Medicare card, second ID, medicines list and GP details.
• Note your goals and what matters to you.
• Be honest, not brave.

What happens at My Aged Care Assessments Summary

• The assessment is free and it's a conversation, usually in your home.
• Be honest about your hard days, or you may be approved for less than you need.
• Have a support person and your paperwork ready.
• You'll get a decision letter with your services, priority and referral code, and you can ask for a review.

This guide is general information, not personal advice. Confirm current details with the My Aged Care website or by calling 1800 200 422.