The first step you need to take is to find out your eligibility for government support. To do this you first need to be assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team - ACAT (known as Aged Care Assessment Services - ACAS - in Victoria).

ACATs comprise health experts such as doctors, nurses, and social workers. They assess older individuals who are struggling with independent living at home and provide information on accessible services and care.

Contact ACAT directly at 1800 200 422 or through the My Aged Care website. Alternatively, ask your local doctor or health center to refer you to the nearest ACAT.

ACAT Assessment Process

An ACAT representative will visit you at home to evaluate your daily living abilities, like cooking, cleaning, bathing, and shopping. They might consult with your doctor about your medical history to identify the most suitable aged care support for you. You're welcome to have a family member or caregiver join the visit.

Once the assessment concludes, ACAT will inform you if you qualify for government support for residential aged care. They'll either hand you the assessment report or mail it to you. The ACAT assessment is free and usually valid indefinitely unless specified for a certain time frame.

Types of support for which you may be eligible

Permanent care

Permanent care can range from assistance with personal care or day-to-day tasks to 24-hour nursing care for those with complex or high care needs.

Dementia care

Dementia care typically involves a higher level of care delivered in an environment designed specifically to meet the needs of people living with dementia.

Respite care

Temporary care that offers caregivers a break. It can be scheduled or emergency-based, for up to 63 days a year. Day respite options are also available in many Care Communities.

Palliative care

Palliative care is care that helps people live their life as fully and comfortably as possible when living with a life-limiting or terminal illness. This type of care may continue for an extended period of time and aims to support physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. End-of-life care is the care provided in the last few hours, days, or weeks of life.