As people grow older, everyday activities such as preparing meals, showering, cleaning, moving around the house and attending medical appointments can become more challenging. Many older Australians want to continue living independently in their own homes, but they may need additional assistance to maintain their safety, comfort and quality of life.

The Australian Government’s Support at Home Program is designed to help eligible older people access the care and services they need at home. However, before receiving government-funded support, individuals generally need to complete an aged care assessment to understand their needs and determine which services may be suitable.

Understanding the Support at Home Assessment process can help older Australians and their families feel more prepared. From registering with My Aged Care to receiving an assessment outcome, each stage helps identify the right level of assistance.

This guide explains how the Support at Home assessment works in Australia, what information may be required, what assessors consider and what happens after an assessment is completed.

What Is a Support at Home Assessment?

A Support at Home assessment is an evaluation of an older person’s care requirements, daily living challenges, health-related needs and personal goals. It helps determine whether they are eligible for government-funded aged care services and what type of support may be appropriate.

The assessment is organised through My Aged Care and an authorised aged care assessment organisation.

During the process, a trained assessor considers the person’s ability to manage everyday activities, their current support arrangements, home environment and any difficulties affecting their independence.

The assessment is not simply about identifying what someone cannot do. It also considers their strengths, preferences and the support that could help them remain active and independent.

Who May Be Eligible for Support at Home in Australia?

The Support at Home Program is intended for older Australians who need coordinated assistance to continue living safely at home.

Generally, people may be eligible to access government-subsidised aged care services if they:

• Are aged 65 years or older.
• Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years or older.
• Are experiencing difficulties managing everyday activities independently.
• Need ongoing or short-term assistance because of ageing-related care requirements.
• Meet the relevant eligibility requirements following an aged care assessment.

Meeting the age requirement does not automatically mean someone will receive Support at Home funding. Their individual circumstances and care needs must be assessed.

People who are unsure whether they qualify can contact My Aged Care to discuss their situation and available assessment options.

How Does the Support at Home Assessment Work? Step-by-Step Process

The assessment process follows several stages. Understanding each step can make it easier for older people and their families to prepare.

Step 1: Register with My Aged Care

The first step is to register with My Aged Care and request an aged care assessment. Older Australians can complete the application through the official My Aged Care website or seek assistance from a family member, carer or healthcare professional.

During registration, applicants will need to provide basic personal details, information about their health, daily living activities and the type of support they may require. This information helps determine their eligibility for an assessment and identify their care needs.

During registration, applicants may be asked about:

• Their age and general health.
• Current medical or mobility-related difficulties.
• How they manage daily activities.
• Existing support from family members or carers.
• The type of assistance they believe they need.
• Their personal goals and living arrangements.

Providing clear information helps the assessment organisation understand the person’s circumstances and determine the next steps.

Step 2: Initial Screening and Triage

After registration, the application goes through an initial screening process.

The assessment organisation reviews the information provided to understand the person’s needs and determine the appropriate assessment pathway.

Triage also helps identify how urgently someone may require assistance. For example, an older person who lives alone and is experiencing significant difficulties with daily activities may have different support needs from someone who already receives regular family assistance.

The priority assigned during this stage helps determine how quickly the assessment should be arranged. Waiting times can vary depending on urgency, assessment requirements and local workforce availability.

Step 3: Complete the Aged Care Needs Assessment

The next stage is the main assessment, which is usually conducted at the person’s home or current residence. Depending on individual circumstances, other assessment arrangements may be possible.

A trained assessor will discuss the older person’s daily routine, health concerns, living environment and care requirements.

The assessment uses the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), which provides a consistent approach to understanding individual aged care needs.

Questions may cover:

• Physical health and mobility.
• Medical conditions and ongoing health concerns.
• Personal care and hygiene.
• Memory, thinking and cognitive abilities.
• Household activities such as cooking and cleaning.
• Personal safety and risks around the home.
• Social connections and community participation.
• Existing assistance from family members or support workers.

The older person should explain their actual difficulties rather than downplay them. For example, if preparing meals has become difficult because of limited mobility, this should be discussed with the assessor.

Step 4: Discuss Personal Goals and Support Preferences

An important part of the Support at Home assessment is understanding what the individual wants to achieve.

Some older Australians may want to maintain their independence with personal care. Others may need help with household tasks, mobility, social participation or managing more complex care needs.

The assessor may discuss questions such as:

• Which daily activities have become difficult?
• What would help you feel safer at home?
• Do you need assistance with showering or dressing?
• Would transport support help you attend appointments?
• Are you finding it difficult to prepare meals or maintain your home?
• What would help you remain connected with family and the community?

Older people can also involve a family member, carer or registered supporter in the assessment, with their consent.

Step 5: Develop an Individual Support Plan

Following the assessment, the assessor works with the older person to develop a Support Plan.

This plan records the individual’s care needs, strengths, goals and preferences. It also outlines the services or support pathways that may be appropriate.

Depending on the assessment outcome, the plan may identify support such as:

• Personal care and assistance with daily routines.
• Nursing and other clinical supports.
• Domestic assistance and cleaning.
• Meal preparation.
• Transport and community participation.
• Assistive technology and home modifications.
• Short-term restorative care.

The services recommended will depend on the person’s assessed needs and the relevant program requirements.

Step 6: Receive the Assessment Outcome

Once the assessment has been reviewed and finalised, the individual receives a Notice of Decision and a copy of their Support Plan.

The outcome explains whether they have been approved for Support at Home or another suitable aged care program.

If approved for Support at Home, the decision will include information about the approved services, classification and priority category where applicable.

It is important to understand that receiving approval does not always mean ongoing funding will be available immediately. For ongoing Support at Home funding, allocation depends on the relevant priority system and funding availability. Some short-term pathways have different allocation arrangements.

Step 7: Understand Funding and Choose a Provider

After funding is allocated, the older person can choose an approved Support at Home provider to deliver their services.

Before services begin, they should understand:

• Which services are approved.
• What funding is available.
• Whether participant contributions apply.
• The provider’s service prices.
• How the service agreement works.
• How their care plan and individual budget will be managed.

A provider can explain its services and help the participant understand the practical arrangements for starting care.

Step 8: Review Your Support Plan When Needs Change

Care requirements can change over time. An older person who initially needs help with household activities may later require additional personal care or clinical support.

If their circumstances change, they or their provider can request a Support Plan Review through the appropriate assessment organisation.

A review may be useful after a hospital stay, a significant change in mobility, increased care needs or a change in living arrangements.

Regularly discussing care needs helps ensure that support remains relevant to the person’s goals and circumstances.

How Can Families Prepare for a Support at Home Assessment?

Families can help older relatives feel more comfortable by preparing before the assessment.

A few practical steps include:

1. Write down daily challenges: Record activities that have become difficult, such as showering, cooking, walking or cleaning.
2. Prepare relevant information: Keep details of medical conditions, current treatments and existing support arrangements available.
3. Explain safety concerns: Mention falls, mobility difficulties, memory concerns or hazards around the home.
4. Discuss personal goals: Think about what the older person wants to continue doing independently.
5. Involve a trusted supporter: A family member or carer may help explain concerns and remember important information, with the older person’s consent.

Being open and specific during the assessment can help the assessor understand the person’s actual support requirements.

What Happens If You Are Not Happy With the Assessment Outcome?

If an older person believes their assessment outcome does not accurately reflect their needs, they can explore the review and feedback options explained in their Notice of Decision.

They may need to provide additional information or explain which parts of the assessment they believe are incorrect.

It is important to read the decision letter carefully and follow the instructions about requesting a review. My Aged Care can also provide information about the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Support at Home Assessment

1. Is the Support at Home assessment conducted at home?

Assessments are usually conducted in the person’s home or current residence. Depending on individual circumstances, an assessment may also take place through other arrangements, including telehealth or telephone.

2. What questions are asked during a Support at Home assessment?

The assessor may ask about physical health, mobility, personal care, memory, household activities, safety, existing support and personal goals. These questions help identify the person’s care requirements.

3. Does approval mean I can start receiving services immediately?

Not necessarily. Approval confirms the services or support pathways an individual is eligible for. Ongoing funding may need to be allocated through the relevant priority system before services can commence.

4. Can my family member attend my aged care assessment?

Yes. An older person can involve a family member, carer or registered supporter to help communicate their needs and preferences, subject to their consent.

5. Can I request another assessment if my care needs increase?

If your circumstances or care requirements change, you or your provider can request a Support Plan Review. The assessment organisation will consider whether changes to your approved support are appropriate.

6. Is there a fee to apply for a Support at Home assessment?

You should check the current application and assessment arrangements with My Aged Care. Participant contributions may apply to certain services after approval, depending on the service type and individual circumstances.

Supporting Older Australians Across Central Coast NSW

We also support older Australians living across surrounding suburbs, including Bateau Bay, Berkeley Vale, Budgewoi, Central Coast, Cooranbong, Erina, Gosford, Lake Haven, Lake Munmorah, Lisarow, Morisset, Ourimbah, Rathmines, Swansea, The Entrance, Toronto, Toukley, Woy Woy, Wyee and Wyong, ensuring quality care is available close to home.

Speak With Coastwide Community Care About Support at Home

Understanding the Support at Home assessment process is an important first step towards finding suitable aged care assistance. If you or a family member needs guidance about home care options, daily living support or arranging services after an assessment, Coastwide Community Care can help you understand the available support options. Visit Coastwide Community Care or call (02) 4353 1700 to discuss your care requirements and learn how our team can support older Australians to maintain their independence, comfort and quality of life at home.