As an aged care financial adviser, one of the most common and stressful issues I see families face is navigating the aged care assessment process. For many, this is the first step into the aged care system – and unfortunately, it’s often where delays, confusion and frustration begin.
What Is an Aged Care Assessment?
An aged care assessment (commonly referred to as an ACAT or ACAS assessment in Victoria) determines the level of care and support an older person is eligible for. This assessment is required for:
- Approval for residential aged care (nursing homes)
- Access to Home Care Packages (Levels 1–4)
- Short-term care options such as respite care
Without an assessment, families cannot move forward with most funded aged care services — even when care is urgently needed.
In my experience, by the time most clients contact us, they are already past the “help at home” stage and are enquiring about entry into an aged care facility. This is often when time pressure becomes critical.
How Long Does an Aged Care Assessment Take?
Officially, the government states that the median wait time for an aged care assessment is around 23 days.
In practice, however, the waiting period can vary significantly.
- If a person is in hospital, assessments are usually prioritised and can occur within a few days – although delays still happen.
- If a person is living at home, wait times can extend well beyond the published averages.
Based on my professional experience, while 23 days may be quoted, families should be prepared for longer delays.
System Changes and Growing Delays
- More than 116,000 people are currently waiting for an aged care assessment
- Over 120,000 people are waiting for a Home Care Package after being approved
Families are increasingly reporting wait times that are far longer than official figures suggest.
Real Stories from Families
ABC News recently highlighted the human impact of these delays:
- A couple in their 70s reported being told it would take nine to ten months just to receive an assessment
- One woman shared that after repeatedly requesting a reassessment for her father over eight months, the assessor finally called – two months after her father had passed away
- Another man in his 80s said he had simply given up trying to access support
What Happens After the Assessment?
Even once an assessment is completed and approved, the process does not end there. This gap between approval and actual support is one of the most challenging aspects of the system, particularly for families trying to keep a loved one safe at home.
Our Practical Advice: Apply Early
Based on our experience working with families across Melbourne and Victoria, our advice is simple but critical:
Request an aged care assessment as soon as you start thinking about needing help at home.
You do not need to wait until a crisis occurs.
Applying early can give you more time to plan financially and understand your options and avoid rushed decisions about residential aged care
How an Aged Care Financial Adviser Can Help
An aged care assessment is only one piece of the puzzle. Financial decisions around aged care – including fees, accommodation payments, Centrelink entitlements and cash flow planning – can have long-term consequences.
Working with an aged care financial adviser allows you to:
- Understand the financial impact of different care options
- Plan ahead while waiting for assessments or packages
- Make informed decisions during emotionally difficult times
If you are starting to think about aged care for yourself or a loved one, early advice can make all the difference.
If you’d like help navigating aged care assessments or understanding your financial options, professional advice can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
