An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) referral is an important process in Australia for older individuals living in the community who may need additional support services or are considering a transition to an aged care facility. The ACAT assessment is a comprehensive evaluation to determine the level of care and services an older person requires and their eligibility to access government-subsidised aged care services. Here’s a detailed explanation of the process:
- Identification of Need: The process typically starts when a need for additional care is identified, either by the individual, their family, or healthcare providers such as a general practitioner (GP).
- Referral to ACAT: A referral can be made to the local ACAT. Referrals are commonly made by a GP, but can also be made by other health professionals, hospital staff, family members, or the individuals themselves. The referral can be made through the My Aged Care contact center or through the My Aged Care website.
- ACAT Assessment: Once the referral is made, an ACAT member contacts the person to arrange a suitable time and place for the assessment. ACAT assessments are usually conducted by healthcare professionals like nurses, social workers, or occupational therapists who are trained in assessing the care needs of older people. The assessment can take place in the individual’s home or a hospital if they are currently admitted.
- The Assessment Process: During the assessment, the ACAT member will discuss the person’s current situation and care needs. This includes evaluating their health, mobility, medication requirements, social support, and any other personal circumstances. It’s a comprehensive process that looks at both the physical and psychological aspects of care.
- Outcome of the Assessment: Based on the assessment, the ACAT will determine what level of care is appropriate. The person may be found eligible for services like home care packages, short-term care options, or transition to a residential aged care facility.
- Developing a Care Plan: If eligible for services, a care plan is developed to outline the types and levels of care required. This plan is tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
- Accessing Services: After the assessment, the individual will receive an approval letter from My Aged Care, detailing the services they are eligible for and instructions on how to access these services. For some services, there may be a waiting period.
- Ongoing Review: The person’s needs may change over time, so the ACAT can reassess the situation if necessary to ensure the care plan remains appropriate.
ACAT assessments are an essential component of the aged care system in Australia, ensuring that older people receive the appropriate level of care and support that they need to maintain their health and wellbeing while living in the community.
Levels of Care
In the context of aged care in Australia, where Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT) play a crucial role, there are several levels of support available to meet the diverse needs of older individuals. These supports are designed to help people remain as independent as possible, providing assistance ranging from basic home help to full-time residential care. The levels of support can be broadly categorized into the following:
- Home Care
- Home Care Packages (HCP): These are designed for those with complex care needs that can still be managed at home. Home Care Packages are divided into four levels:
- Level 1: for people with basic care needs.
- Help with the basic ADLs such as cleaning, shopping, cooking, transport, social support and home maintenance
- Level 2: for people with low-level care needs.
- L1 + Help with bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Level 3: for people with intermediate care needs.
- L1 + L2 + Nursing services and more complex care
- Level 4: for people with high-level care needs.
- L1 + L2 + L3 + Complex nursing care, personal care and palliative care.
- Level 1: for people with basic care needs.
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP): This is an entry-level home support program for older people who need some assistance with daily tasks to live independently in their own homes.
- Home Care Packages (HCP): These are designed for those with complex care needs that can still be managed at home. Home Care Packages are divided into four levels:
- Residential Care
- Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs): These provide full-time care and accommodation for those who can no longer live independently at home. The level of care provided can range from personal care (such as bathing and dressing) to nursing and medical services.
- Respite Care: This is a temporary stay in a residential aged care facility, designed to give the carer or the person being cared for a short break from their usual care arrangements.
- Flexible Care
- Transition Care: A short-term program that provides a package of services including low-intensity therapy (e.g., physiotherapy) and support for older people after a hospital stay, aiming to improve their independence and delay entry into residential aged care.
- Short-Term Restorative Care (STRC): A similar short-term program aimed at reversing and/or slowing ‘functional decline’ in older people and improving their wellbeing and independence.
- Specialized Care
- Dementia Care: Tailored services and support for individuals with dementia, available both in-home through Home Care Packages or in specialized sections of residential aged care facilities.
- Palliative Care: Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness, available in various settings including at home, in hospices, and within residential aged care facilities.
These levels of support are designed to be flexible and to cater to the changing needs of older Australians, ensuring they receive the appropriate care and assistance at each stage of their aging process. Access to these services typically begins with an assessment by an ACAT to determine eligibility and the most suitable level of support based on the individual’s needs.