If your parent or loved one is starting to need more help, the My Aged Care assessment is one of the most important steps in the process. It helps determine what government-funded aged care support they may be eligible for, whether that is help at home, short-term respite, or residential aged care.
For many families, this is also the point where things start to feel confusing. You may be hearing terms like ACAT assessment, Support at Home, RAD, DAP, means-tested care fee and basic daily fee for the first time. It is a lot to absorb, especially when decisions may need to be made quickly.
This guide explains what to expect, what information to prepare, and why understanding likely costs early can help your family make calmer decisions.
What Is a My Aged Care Assessment?
My Aged Care is the Australian Government entry point for aged care services. Before most government-funded aged care can begin, your loved one needs to be assessed. The assessment looks at their health, daily living needs, safety at home, carer support and whether current arrangements are still working.
Some people are assessed for entry-level support at home. Others may need a more comprehensive assessment for higher levels of care, respite, or residential aged care.
If you are still working out the broader system, our Care Options Explained page gives a simple overview of Support at Home, residential aged care, respite and private care.
What the Assessor Will Ask About
The assessment is not about proving someone has failed. It is about clearly explaining what is becoming difficult, unsafe or unsustainable.
The assessor may ask about personal care, mobility, falls, meals, cleaning, shopping, transport, memory, medication, social isolation and carer stress. They may also ask whether your loved one can safely continue living at home.
A common mistake is describing a “good day” instead of the usual reality. If Mum can shower alone sometimes but has slipped twice, say that. If Dad says he is managing but the family is cooking, cleaning and checking medication every day, explain the full picture.
Information to Gather Before the Assessment
You do not need to have everything perfect, but having the right information nearby can make the process much easier.
- Medicare card and basic identification details
- GP and specialist contact details
- Current medication list
- Recent hospital discharge papers or health summaries, if available
- Notes about falls, confusion, missed medication, weight loss or safety concerns
- Details of current help from family, neighbours or paid carers
- A list of daily tasks that are becoming difficult
It can also help to write down the family’s main questions: “Is help at home enough?” “What happens if we cannot wait?” “What will this actually cost?”
Why Costs Should Be Considered Early
The care assessment and the financial side are separate, but families often need to understand both at the same time. A person may be approved for care, but the real decision still depends on affordability, location, accommodation options, assets and income.
Residential aged care can involve the basic daily fee, accommodation costs such as a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD) or Daily Accommodation Payment (DAP), and possibly a means-tested care fee. Home care through Support at Home has a different structure.
Our Aged Care Costs Explained page breaks these fees down in plain English. You can also read our guide to understanding aged care costs in Australia for a deeper overview.
The Question Families Really Need Answered
Government websites can explain the rules, but most families are not just looking for rules. They are trying to answer a more practical question: “What will aged care actually cost us?”
That answer depends on the type of care needed, the provider chosen, assets, income, pension status, whether the family home is retained or sold, and whether accommodation is paid as a RAD, DAP or combination.
This is why generic examples can only go so far. Two aged care homes can lead to very different outcomes depending on the room price, payment method and assessed financial position.
How My Aged Care Navigator Helps
My Aged Care Navigator gives families a clearer starting point before they speak with providers or make major decisions. Our free 10-minute assessment collects key information about care needs and finances, then provides a personalised aged care cost summary within 48 hours.
The report helps you understand likely costs, compare accommodation payment options, and have useful conversations with aged care homes, advisers and family members. It is general guidance, not personal financial advice.
You can see the full process on our How It Works page.
Common Questions Before a My Aged Care Assessment
Do we need to know the exact care costs before applying?
No, but it is helpful to start thinking about costs early. The assessment may confirm what care your loved one is eligible for, while your financial position helps determine what is realistic and sustainable.
Is the My Aged Care assessment the same as a financial assessment?
No. The care assessment looks at support needs. Financial assessments and means testing are handled separately, usually through Services Australia. Both can affect the final decision.
What if we are already looking at aged care homes?
Start gathering cost information now. Ask each home for the RAD, DAP, basic daily fee and any additional service fees in writing. Then compare those figures against your family’s likely financial position.
Get Clarity Before You Make a Decision
The My Aged Care assessment is an important step, but it is only one part of the decision. Families also need to understand care options, likely fees and how different choices may affect cash flow.
If your family is preparing for aged care, start your free assessment at myagedcarenavigator.com.au. In around 10 minutes, you can take the first step toward a clearer, more personalised picture of what aged care may actually cost.