Preparing for a Support at Home Assessment

A step-by-step guide to help you confidently book, prepare for, and navigate a Support at Home assessment.

Stepping into the world of aged care on behalf of a loved one can feel overwhelming. As a carer, you already carry a significant load, and navigating government systems might seem like an added layer of stress. However, understanding the process is the first step toward accessing practical help to keep your loved one living safely at home.

The Support at Home program, which commenced in late 2025, has streamlined government-funded in-home aged care services. To access these, your loved one will undergo an evaluation through the Single Assessment System. This is not a test to pass or fail, but an open, supportive conversation.

How to Book an Assessment

Before an assessor visits, you must formally request an assessment through My Aged Care. As a carer, you can do this on behalf of your loved one, provided you have their consent.

• Online Application: Visit the My Aged Care website and complete an online form regarding your loved one’s daily needs.
• Phone Call: Call the My Aged Care contact centre directly. Your loved one will need to be present initially to give voice consent.
• Medical Referral: A General Practitioner can send a direct referral to My Aged Care. This is an excellent route if the doctor is highly familiar with their declining health.
  
  

The Role of the Assessor

Assessors use a standard framework known as the Integrated Assessment Tool to ensure evaluations are consistent. Depending on your loved one’s needs, the assessor may be a clinical professional, like a registered nurse, or a trained non-clinical professional.

Their primary goal is to look at your loved one’s life holistically. They are not visiting to judge how tidy the house is or to critique your caring abilities. They want to identify where extra help could improve quality of life and alleviate pressure on you as their carer.

Core Areas Covered During the Assessment

To build a complete picture, the assessor will explore several key areas. They will direct questions to your loved one but will also look to you for your perspective.

1. Personal Details and Cultural Background

The assessor will confirm identity, contact information, and ensure all details are correct on My Aged Care. They will also ask if there are any cultural or language preferences for future support workers.

2. The Current Living Situation

Understanding the home environment helps determine what practical support is needed. They will ask about the housing type, who lives there, and any immediate property challenges, such as managing a large garden or navigating stairs.

3. Health Conditions and Medications

Medical history is crucial. You will be asked to outline any chronic illnesses, recent hospital stays, or physical disabilities. Having medical summaries ready is highly beneficial. They will also ask what medications are taken and if help is needed to manage them.

4. Daily Living Activities

This is often the most detailed part of the conversation. The assessor needs to know what tasks your loved one can do easily and where they struggle. As a carer, you must be entirely honest about how much you are currently doing for them.

• Personal care: Do they need help with showering, dressing, or toileting?
• Household chores: How are they managing with vacuuming or changing bed linen?
• Meals and transport: Can they prepare meals safely, and can they attend medical appointments independently?

5. Mobility, Safety, and the Home Environment

Physical safety is paramount. The assessor will look at how your loved one moves around and whether the environment poses risks. They will ask about walking aids, recent falls, and if the home needs safety upgrades like bathroom grab rails.

6. Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Staying connected is vital. The program places a strong emphasis on holistic wellbeing. The assessor will ask about hobbies, social groups, and if your loved one has been feeling lonely or anxious.

7. Your Support Network and Caring Arrangements

This section directly involves you. The assessor will want to understand the informal support you provide. You must talk openly about your role. Do not downplay your efforts. Be honest if you are experiencing burnout or strain. They will also cover respite services designed to give you a well-deserved break, ensuring the caring arrangement remains healthy for both of you.

Developing the Support Plan

Once the assessor has a clear understanding, they will create a formal support plan outlining personal goals. These goals are matched to services available under the Support at Home program.

If approved for ongoing services, your loved one will receive a funding classification based on their level of need. Alternatively, the assessor might recommend short-term pathways, such as the Restorative Care Pathway, which provides a burst of allied health interventions to help regain independence quickly.

An aged care assessment is a collaborative process designed around your loved one’s wellbeing and your sustainability as a carer. Being transparent about your struggles is the absolute best way to ensure the correct level of support is provided. You do not have to put on a brave face. Take some time to jot down the challenges you face daily and organise all relevant medical information. By knowing exactly what to expect, you can step into the assessment confidently, ready to secure the services that will support your loved one and give you the vital assistance you deserve.