Aged Care Assessments Are Changing: Here’s What You Need to Know

Navigating the aged care system can feel overwhelming, but change is on the horizon. The introduction of the Single Assessment System is set to make accessing aged care services simpler, faster, and more consistent for older Australians and their families. Here’s everything you need to know about these reforms and how they’ll improve the aged care experience.

What is the Single Assessment System?

Starting December 9, 2024, aged care assessments will be simpler, faster, and more accessible, thanks to the new Single Assessment System workforce. 

Right now, aged care assessments can feel like a maze. You might deal with different teams or organisations depending on whether you’re looking at home care, respite care, or residential care. That’s all about to change. 

The Single Assessment System workforce will replace: 

• Regional Assessment Service 

• Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT) 

• AN-ACC assessment organisations 

Instead of juggling multiple systems, there’ll be one streamlined pathway to assess aged care needs. This new system covers everything—from in-home care to residential care funding—making the process clearer and more efficient.

Why Does This Matter?

For older Australians, this means: 

• No more handovers: You won’t have to switch assessment providers as your needs change. One provider will handle your assessments throughout your aged care journey. 
• Better access for rural areas: Living in regional or remote areas? The new system ensures you’ll still get the care assessments you need. 
• Less waiting around: With faster processing times, you’ll spend less time waiting and more time getting the care you deserve.

What’s Staying the Same?

If you or a loved one is waiting for an assessment right now, don’t worry—this transition won’t disrupt anyone currently in the queue. 

Here’s what remains untouched: 

• Eligibility requirements for aged care services 
• In-hospital assessments 
• Urgent services and reassessments 

This means you’ll still follow the same process for referring someone to aged care or arranging hospital-based assessments. 

Aged care needs assessments: The process for aged care needs reassessments and Support Plan Reviews also remains unchanged. If your needs change, contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment. 

With the Single Assessment System, your first reassessment may involve a different organisation, but all future reassessments will stay with the same provider. Assessors can also self-refer for Support Plan Reviews, ensuring continuity. 

Residential aged care funding assessments: Residential aged care funding reassessments will continue to follow the same process. Providers typically request a reassessment as your needs evolve; that said, you or your family can also request one through My Aged Care. For more information, please refer to this factsheet. 

How to Stay Updated

Download the Single Assessment System fact sheet or head to My Aged Care’s website to explore how these changes might affect you or a loved one. 

In Summary

This isn’t just about cutting red tape—it’s about making aged care assessments easier, especially during what can be an emotional and overwhelming time for families. With one system, clear pathways, and a focus on accessibility, the aged care system is becoming more focused on the people it serves. 

Change is coming, and it’s a step in the right direction. Let’s make sure every older Australian gets the care they deserve—without unnecessary hurdles along the way.

We’re Here to Support You

At Respect, we’re passionate about supporting older Australians to ensure the next phase of their lives are filled with purpose and possibilities. Whether it’s through our network of aged care homes or our home care support and services, we’ve been supporting our residents and clients to embrace opportunities to improve their health and wellbeing. Reach out to us on 1300 144 144 for personalised guidance.