Starting the Aged Care Journey? These 3 Facts Make the First Step Less Daunting.

Introduction: The First Step on the Path to Care

Navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming. For many families, the journey seems like a maze of paperwork and impersonal evaluations, creating a deep sense of uncertainty. But the first official step toward getting government-subsidised care is more straightforward and human-centered than you might assume. This article will break down three key aspects of the initial approval process to demystify the journey and make it feel more manageable.

1. It All Begins with a Single, Free Phone Call

The entire journey into government-subsidised aged care starts with one action: calling My Aged Care. It’s important to know that this initial assessment process is a free service, designed to help you understand your options without any upfront cost.

During this first call, the goal is to register with My Aged Care and create a client record. To do this, they will ask you a series of questions about your current situation, including your specific health concerns, how you’re managing around the home, what support you currently receive from family or friends, and the results of any prior assessments.

You can start the process by calling My Aged Care directly on 1800 200 422.

This single starting point is impactful because it removes initial financial barriers and provides a clear, accessible first step for everyone. This design ensures that financial worry isn't a barrier to getting the initial, crucial advice you need.

2. The Assessment is a Conversation, Not an Examination—And It Happens at Home

After your initial call, an assessor will contact you to arrange an in-person assessment. This isn't a clinical test in an unfamiliar office. Instead, an assessor will arrange to visit you in your own home. For most, this will be with an assessor from an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), or an Aged Care Assessment Service (ACAS) in Victoria. If you have low-level care needs, the assessment may be provided by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS).

The assessor's goal is to have a simple conversation with you that builds on the information from your phone call. They will ask more questions about your health, lifestyle, memory, and any safety concerns to get a complete picture of your needs. You are encouraged to have a family member, carer, or friend present for support.

To help the assessment go smoothly, it’s helpful to have a few simple items ready:

• Your Medicare number

• A copy of any referrals from your doctor

• Information about aged care services you're interested in

• Your GP or other health professional’s contact details

• Information on any support you currently receive

Crucially, this is a two-way conversation. It is your opportunity to ask questions about what services are available in your area and to discuss the types of support you feel would be most helpful.

Holding the assessment at home is a fundamental recognition that care can only be understood in the context of your own environment. It allows the assessor to see real-world challenges—like a steep staircase or potential trip hazards—and co-design practical solutions with you, making the process truly collaborative.

3. You Are a Partner in Planning Your Care

The assessment process is not just about being evaluated; it's about working with the assessor to develop a support plan that is right for you. The outcome is a personalized plan, created as a team. This plan is tailored to you by incorporating your unique strengths, difficulties, and personal goals.

Working together, you will develop a support plan that includes your strengths, difficulties, goals and preferences for your aged care services.

This is so important because it replaces the fear of being passively evaluated with the power of being an active partner in your own future. It ensures that the final plan is not just a list of prescribed services, but a roadmap that is genuinely tailored to what you actually want and need.

Conclusion: Feeling Prepared for the Next Step

While the full aged care journey may seem complex, the initial approval process is designed to be supportive and human-focused. It starts with a simple phone call, continues with a conversation in your own home, and culminates in you receiving an official approval letter and your personalized support plan. This first step is manageable, and it’s designed to put you in control.

Now that the first step is clearer, what's one question you feel more prepared to ask for yourself or a loved one?

Disclaimers

Sean Sullivan is an Authorised Representative of Vivid Financial Planning Pty Ltd, and holds an Australian Financial Services License #478937.

The information on this Website is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your needs and, where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.