Department of Health

My Aged Care assessment services

Key messages

  • Aged Care Services and Assessments are a national program. They are funded by the Commonwealth Government and all information can be found on the My Aged Care websiteExternal Link
  • Assessment services help older people and their carers to identify care that best meets their needs and determine eligibility to access Commonwealth Government services for older people.
  • Assessment services are independent multidisciplinary teams which can include assessors with clinical qualifications such as social workers, nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists as well as non-clinical assessors.
  • Following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Commonwealth Government will be introducing a new integrated assessment model and in home care program. A staged implementation is planned.

As of July 2024, the transition to a single assessment model commenced.

The Victorian Department of Health currently delivers via Health Services and some Community Health Services, a portion of the RAS and all of the ACAS in Victoria on behalf of the Commonwealth Government. The remaining portion of RAS in Victoria are delivered by providers who hold agreements directly with the Commonwealth.

It is anticipated that from December 2024, all assessment providers will be delivering both types of aged care assessments in the community.

Accessing an assessment is still the same process, they are free of charge and can be requested by contacting My Aged CareExternal Link . Information regarding aged care supports such as the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Home Care Packages Program, and Residential Aged Care services can be found on the My Aged Care websiteExternal Link .

Services for younger people

People aged under 65 years should contact the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)External Link to test their eligibility to become a participant.

If a younger person is not eligible for the NDIS, other support options may be available. The national network of Ability First Australia (AFA) Younger People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) system coordinators support younger people to navigate systems to access suitable accommodation and services that address their goals and best meet their needs. Find out more about AFA’s YPIRAC System Coordinator ProgramExternal Link or contact AFA.External Link

Younger people (aged under 65 years or under 50 if Aboriginal) may also be eligible for the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP).

Assessing special needs in older people

Special needs are to be considered when an assessment is conducted.

A range of protocols and guidelines is in place to assist people with special needs to obtain the right level of care.

Reviewed 26 August 2024

Health.vic

Contact details

Aged Care Assessment, Victorian Department of Health

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