Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ)
Pressure has been building on the federal government in recent weeks to scrap the algorithm currently being used in aged care assessment decisions. Criticism has been of the algorithm itself, but also the fact there is no possibility for humans to override its final decision.
Aged care assessments determine how much government funding an older person can receive, so they can live independently at home for longer.
Some older Australians may now be feeling anxious and confused about this process. It doesn’t help that the algorithm and the independent assessment tool are sometimes talked about in the same breath. But the independent assessment tool is actually a questionnaire, not an algorithm.
So, what does this questionnaire involve? And how should you prepare?
While important questions remain about the algorithm, understanding how aged care assessments work will help you prepare better and may give you more choice and control over the care you receive.
How do you get an assessment?
The best time to think about aged care support is before you need it. If you’re 65 or older (or 50 and older if you’re Indigenous or experiencing homelessness) and daily tasks are becoming more difficult, or you’re relying more on family, friends or neighbours, it might be time to start this process.
You must register with My Aged Care before you can access government-funded aged care services – this can be by phone or online.
You’ll be asked about your current living situation, health and daily activities. This is the first opportunity to discuss your support needs. Keep the ID code they give you safe, as it tracks your progress.
An assessment organisation will then call you to discuss your needs and arrange a date for the assessment.
Assessors are qualified health professionals (such as nurses, social workers, and occupational therapists) who work for independent, government-contracted organisations.
What happens in an assessment?
The assessor will usually come to your home, but you can also arrange another location or do it via telehealth or over the phone. Assessments typically take 60–90 minutes, but this can vary depending on your circumstances.
The assessor will ask about the factors that affect your ability to live safely and independently, such as your:
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physical and mental health
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safety (including identifying any risks within your home environment)
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ability to complete daily tasks such as bathing, dressing and housework by yourself
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current supports
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goals
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cultural needs.
Although it might be tempting to focus on your “good days” here, it’s important to describe what happens on most days, not just the best ones, to get the appropriate support plan in place.
How to get ready
You can have a support person – such as a family member, friend or carer – present during the assessment.
You may choose to register a support person in the My Aged Care system (this is free). Registered supporters can help you make and communicate decisions. They can also request, access and receive information about you.
If you need an interpreter, you can contact My Aged Care through the Translating and Interpreting Service by calling 131 450. My Aged Care also has a range of accessible contact options and resources.
You’ll need to have some documents to show the assessor, including your Medicare card, an additional ID document such as a driver’s licence, and any GP referrals or current health supports, as well as details of any specific supports (for example, cleaning or help bathing and dressing) you want to discuss.
Think about what questions you might have for the assessor.
Ask yourself: “What support do I need to stay safe, well and independent at home?”.
Then ask the assessor: “How is that support funded, and what will I personally pay?”.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network can also help you, by providing free information about your rights (both before and after an assessment) and advocating for you.
What outcomes can you expect?
Following assessment, you will be sent a notice of decision letter. This will include information about the services you have been approved to receive, the reasons behind the decision, and your rights to raise any concerns about your assessment outcome.
You may be referred to a Commonwealth Home Support Package. These provide entry-level support with specific everyday tasks so you can stay independent at home. Services could include help with housework, meal preparation, personal care such as help bathing and dressing, or nursing and allied health care.
If your needs are more complex, you may be approved for the Support at Home program instead. This provides more coordinated levels of support.
If you are approved for Support at Home, you will be allocated to one of eight classifications. The higher your classification, the higher your need and allocated budget.
In Support at Home, all services funded fall into one of three categories:
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clinical supports including allied health (such as physiotherapy), nursing care and nutritional products. From 1 October 2026, this will include approved personal care such as showering, dressing, and non-clinical continence management
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independence including support to take part in social and community activities, assistive technology and home modifications, respite care and transport
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everyday living meaning help with housework and home maintenance, as well as meal preparation and delivery.
The assessment could also approve you for residential aged care, should your circumstances require this.
Who will provide the services? And how much will I pay?
What you contribute will depend on the service category, provider pricing, and your financial circumstances. For clinical support services you won’t have to pay anything. But other services require a co-contribution varying from 5–80% of the total price.
You’ll need to choose a registered Support at Home provider. They are responsible for care management and can provide a care partner to work with you. Your registered support person can help you with this.
You can find a potential provider by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, or by using their Find a Provider tool. Ask each potential provider about things such as:
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availability (“can services start when I need them?”)
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cost (“what category is this service in, and what will I pay in dollars?”)
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flexibility (“can services change as my needs change?”).
Remember
Your care plan should support your life. Ask questions, involve support, and speak up early.
I would like to acknowledge the contribution of Cheryl Harris, president of Healthy Ageing Partnerships, Council On The Ageing Queensland, and Comlink Australia, in preparing this article.
Dan Wadsworth is affiliated with Healthy Ageing Partnerships, Sunshine Coast, as a current Board Member. He has previously received funding from local government (UniSC-Sunshine Coast Council Regional Partnership Grant) for work referenced in this piece.
Original source: https://analysis1.mil-osi.com/2026/08/26/heres-what-to-keep-in-mind-before-and-after-an-aged-care-assessment/