It can be a big decision to make the move into an aged care facility – but keep in mind that the decision does not entirely rest in your hands. Older Australians who feel they are ready or need to move into an aged care facility will first need to be assessed for eligibility. You might be eligible for care in an aged care facility if you are no longer able to live independently at home.
A member of your local Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) or the Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) if you live in Victoria, will assess you in your home, and will then make a formal decision about your care needs and the level of care you require. If you are not approved for entry into an aged care facility, you’ll receive a letter outlining the reasons why, and providing details of who to contact for more help. This letter will also provide information if you are eligible for other care and services.
So, what’s next if you are assessed as ineligible for the present?
Review the decision
If you do not agree with the assessment outcome contained in your letter, or have any concerns about the decision, your first step is to contact your ACAT service.
If you still do not agree with your assessment outcome after having discussed it with your ACAT assessor, you can write to the Secretary of the Department of Health asking for a free review of the decision and outlining why you think it should be changed, at the following address:
The Secretary
Department of Health
Attn: Aged Care Assessment Program
GPO Box 9848
Sydney NSW 2001
Keep in mind that you only have 28 days to write to the Secretary and appeal your decision after receiving your assessment outcome letter.
If you are still unsatisfied with the outcome of this review, your next step is to contact the Administrative Appeals Tribunal or 1800 228 333, and there is a charge for this process. To find out more, go to their website at www.aat.gov.au or call the number above.
Examine your other options
While you may not be eligible for care in an aged care facility, that doesn’t mean that you can’t access help. There are certainly other options available.
Short term and flexible care
Short-term care services may be available either in your home or in a residential setting for situations such as a transition from hospital to home, recovery from an accident or illness, or restorative care (returning you to independence).
For more information on the assessment process and the types of care you can access, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or go to www.myagedcare.gov.au.
Residential respite care
Residential respite care of up to 63 days each financial year can be accessed on a planned or emergency basis, if your carers need a break or are unable to care for you for some reason, if you would like a break from caring for yourself, or if your level of care required is higher for a short period of time. You can extend this time in lots of 21 days by contacting your local ACAT service.
Depending on your needs, an aged care home may provide a range of services and care such as you would receive if you were a permanent resident of the home.
You will need to have an ACAT assessment before accessing residential respite care in an aged care home, and your needs will be considered in light of the availability of help in your area.
For emergency respite care, call your local Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 during business hours, or call 1800 059 059 outside business hours.
Home support program
The Commonwealth Home Support Program can provide ongoing or short-term care and support services, and help you with personal care, food preparation and meals, housework, shopping and transport, and provide access to social support, allied health and planned respite.
For more information on the assessment process and the types of care you can access, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or go to www.myagedcare.gov.au.
Home Care packages
The Home Care Package program provides more in-depth support in your own home, helping you to remain in your home longer. Services include personal care, nursing and support services, and allied health and clinical services, home modifications and minor home maintenance, garden maintenance, social support, mobility aids, transport and domestic support.
For more information on the assessment process and the types of care you can access, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or go to www.myagedcare.gov.au.
Re-apply
Just because you’ve been assessed as ineligible once, doesn’t mean you can’t reapply – particularly if your circumstances or health changes or deteriorates. Assessments are free, so you can always book another one at a point in the future when you feel you might need more help.
