How long should you wait for aged care – a day, a week, a month? What if I told you that you could be waiting more than a year from realising you need it to receive the care you need?

Before you can receive aged care services such as a Home Care Package, short-term restorative care or a stay in an aged care home, you must undergo an ACAT assessment.

Waiting times for aged care can sometimes stretch out to a year.Credit: Shutterstock

ACAT stands for Aged Care Assessment Team (in Victoria they are called Aged Care Assessment Service or ACAS). You can be referred to the ACAT by a health professional or you can request an assessment through MyAgedCare.

The ACAT assessment is free and will normally be conducted at home. The aim is to identify your care needs and the services you qualify for. You can be approved for more than one service........

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