Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
ACATs are teams of medical, nursing and allied health professionals who assess the physical, psychological, medical, restorative, cultural and social needs of frail older people and help them and their carers to access appropriate levels of support.
An assessment may show the older person may be able to remain at home with support. However, if this isn’t possible, the team will help the client access residential aged care facilities for either permanent or respite residential care (at both low and high levels).
If a referral to ACAT is not appropriate, the team can also refer older people on to other available services that may be more suitable.
ACAT may recommend people for Australian Government-funded services such as:
- home care packages to assist people to remain at home (both low and high levels of care)
- residential aged care services
- residential respite services (both low and high levels of care)
- transition care, which provides care for those older people transitioning from the hospital to their home, or to permanent residential care – see Transition Care Program.
Cost
ACAT assessments are provided free of charge.
Who is eligible?
Anyone can request an ACAT assessment for a frail older person. A referral from a GP or medical professional is not required.
How do I contact my local ACAT?
Visit My Aged Care (external site) to find out more about aged care and to locate your nearest metropolitan or rural and remote ACAT.
How to make a complaint
As a consumer of ACAT services you are entitled to have any complaint dealt with objectively.
If you have a concern about the performance of a team member or about an ACAT decision regarding care, please contact the manager or coordinator of the ACAT.
Acknowledgements
Aged and Continuing Care Directorate
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.