Overview
Chapter 2 explains how an older person accesses the aged care system and how we make decisions about access. This includes information about:
- determining if a person is eligible and how they get approval, including the new single assessment framework
- deciding classification types and levels for funding
- assessing priority for access
- allocating places to people and certain specialist aged care programs.
Accessing aged care services
The new aged care system gives more choice for older people who need varying levels of support. It also has a simpler pathway to access services. This means older people won’t have to go through multiple needs assessments for different services. One assessment can cover multiple different services they might need at once.
The aged care needs assessment identifies what kind of aged care services best meet the care needs of the older person. This is based on the older person’s choices, health and how independent they are.
The full list of funded aged care services is in Chapter 1 of the Guide.
This new framework makes it easier for older people to access the services they need by creating one assessment pathway. It is more flexible, giving older people more choice and control over their care.
Steps to access
These are the steps for someone to get access to funded aged care services:
- The older person registers with the My Aged Care website.
- They apply to find out if they are eligible for a needs assessment.
- If eligible, the needs assessor carries out a needs assessment.
- The older person receives approval for services.
- They receive a place to access services.
Disclaimer
This publication is not legal advice and must not be used or relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. Users must seek their own independent legal advice in relation to their particular circumstances.