ACAT assessment: what it is and how to book one (Australia)
An ACAT assessment (called ACAS in Victoria) is the gateway to almost every Australian Government-subsidised aged care service: a Home Care Package, residential aged care, respite, and short-term restorative care. The assessment is free, takes about 60–90 minutes, and is done in the older person's home. This guide walks through booking, the day itself, and what each approval means.
What an ACAT assessment is
ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team — a multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and sometimes geriatricians, employed by a state or territory health service. ACAS is the same thing in Victoria. The team's job is to assess whether you qualify for Australian Government-subsidised aged care and at what level. It is free and required for all subsidised services.
Who can get one
Anyone over 65 (or 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who is finding everyday tasks harder. You do not need a diagnosis. You can self-refer, or be referred by a GP, hospital, community nurse or family member. Hospital-based ACAT teams can also assess inpatients to plan a discharge.
How to book
Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 10am to 2pm. The call handler does a 20–30 minute phone screening (the 'registration call'), creates a My Aged Care client record and refers you to a local ACAT. The ACAT contacts you to book a home visit, usually within 2–6 weeks (longer in regional areas). You can also start the process online at myagedcare.gov.au.
What to have ready for the call
Medicare number. List of current medications. Names and contact details of your GP and any specialists. A short description of the daily tasks that have become difficult — showering, cooking, cleaning, shopping, transport, managing medication. Any recent hospital admissions. A family member or carer can be on the call if you'd like.
What happens on the day
An ACAT assessor visits at home, usually for 60–90 minutes. They'll ask about your health, medications, daily tasks, who helps you now, your home environment, and your goals. They may do simple cognitive and mobility checks. Have a family member, friend or carer present — two memories are better than one. You'll receive a written outcome (the 'support plan') by post or email, usually within 2–4 weeks.
What each approval unlocks
Home Care Package (Levels 1–4): a budget for in-home support, with Level 4 the most intensive. Wait times for assignment depend on your priority and level. Residential aged care (permanent): approval to enter any Australian residential aged care home, with the same approval valid for life unless circumstances change significantly. Residential respite: up to 63 days per financial year of short-term aged care. Short-Term Restorative Care: an 8-week program of intensive at-home therapy after a hospital stay.
What to do if you disagree with the outcome
You can request a reconsideration within 28 days by writing to your assessor — ask for a fresh assessment if your situation has changed. If reconsideration is unsuccessful, you can apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. In practice, most disagreements are resolved by a follow-up phone call with the team leader.
Frequently asked questions
Authoritative sources
The figures and rules in this guide are drawn from the following official and independent sources. Open any link to verify the latest published numbers.
- Apply for an aged care assessment
My Aged Care
- Aged care assessment process
Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
OPAN
- Find a provider — residential aged care
My Aged Care
Related guides
About this guide
Written and reviewed by the Nursing Home Match editorial team. We update guides at least annually and verify every figure against the official sources listed above. This guide is general information, not personal, medical, financial or legal advice. Always confirm details on Medicare.gov Care Compare (United States) or My Aged Care (Australia), or speak to a qualified adviser before making decisions.