What do we do?

The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) comprehensively assesses the care needs of older people who have complex care needs that cannot be met by Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP). This helps them know what their options are and choose the help that best meets their needs.

We look at the whole person—what they can do for themselves and what they need help with, as well as their health care and social needs.

When is an ACAT assessment needed?

Assessments are needed to access:

• ‘packaged’ community care at home
• subsidised residential aged care and respite care.

Who should be referred?

People requiring any of the above services who are:

• over 65 years of age; or
• over 50 and Indigenous; and
• who are no longer able to manage at home without assistance.

Young people with a disability may be assessed in some circumstances.

Referrals

Referrals can be made by family or carers by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. GPs and other providers can complete an online Inbound Referral Form, or alternatively they can fax a referral to My Aged Care on 1800 728 174.