What is an Aged Care Assessment?
Are you in the process of applying for a Home Care Package? Have you had your aged care assessment?
Are you wondering what the Aged Care Assessment Team do and who they are?
The Aged Care Assessment Team independently assesses frail older people to determine if they’re eligible for approval to access aged care services, including a Home Care Package.
The team is made up of registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists trained in aged care assessments and with clinical experience in aged care.
They can offer advice and support in your access to care but won’t make recommendations on facilities or service providers of aged care. They can assist vulnerable clients with negotiating access to care and providers.
What happens during an Aged Care Assessment?
Most assessments for aged care take place in a person’s home, but can take place in a hospital. The assessors encourage you to have a family member or friend with you at the assessment.
The assessor will ask for your written consent to do the assessment.
They will then need to discuss your:
- Medical history
- Physical function
- Cognitive and behavioural functions
- Assess your physical environment and
- Understand your personal wishes.
It’s a good idea to have these handy during your assessment:
- your Medicare number
- a copy of any referrals from your doctor
- any information provided to you that you may want to discuss with the assessor
- your GP or other health professional contact details
- information on any current support you receive.
What questions should I expect during my assessment?
During your Assessment, you will be asked about what you can do for yourself and what you are seeking assistance with.
It will help if you can think about what your needs are and about the help you will want in the foreseeable future.
You may be asked about:
- Any support that you are currently receiving
- If you have any health concerns
- How you are managing with activities around the home
- Some questions relating to your safety in the home.
During the assessment you may be observed moving in and around your home.
The assessor will work with you to develop a support plan to help identify your strengths and your areas of difficulty, goals and what you would like to achieve. The team will then outline the options of care and its availability to you. It’s important that you provide a full account of your care needs.
Some older people worry that an assessment means a fast-track into a nursing home. The truth is, that most people will be linked into community care services to help them stay living in their own home.
The assessment is an opportunity to identify options. You can decide once you have received the outcome of your assessment. Once you’ve had your assessment, you can make up your own mind about whether you want to accept the outcome.
For more information on an Aged Care Assessment, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or use their web site www.myagedcare.gov.au
Would you like some assistance with your assessment?
Oxley Home Care are the Home Care Package experts in Sydney and can assist you with your assessment for a Home Care Package.
We ensure your Home Care Package is tailored to meet your needs and maintain your wellbeing.
Please contact our friendly team to organise a free in-home consultation on 1300 993 591 or email care@oxleyhomecare.com.au
Did you find this blog informative?
- To find out how to prepare for your Aged Care Assessment, please click here.
- For more information about the letter of approval from My Aged Care, please click here.
