What You Say Matters: Why Preparation Is Key for Your Aged Care Assessment
If you’re applying for government-funded aged care support — like a Home Care Package (Support at Home), CHSP, or residential care — one of the most important steps is the aged care assessment. But what many families don’t realise is this:
What you say — and how you say it — determine the level of support you receive.
At Aged Care Conversations, we work with families every day to prepare properly for assessments, ensuring nothing gets missed and you're set up for success from the very beginning.
🧠 Why the Assessment Matters So Much
Your aged care assessment is used by My Aged Care and the assessment team (ACAT/SAS) to decide:
What services you're eligible for
What level of support you need
How urgently you need it
But if your needs are understated, unclear, or poorly communicated, you risk:
Receiving too few hours of support
Missing out on a Home Care Package altogether
Facing delays while additional evidence is gathered later
⚠️ Common Mistakes Families Make
Many people unintentionally make the assessment harder by:
Saying “we’re managing fine” when they’re not
Focusing on medical conditions but not daily impacts
Trying to “look good” in front of assessors
Not discussing carer stress or burnout
These small missteps can have big consequences on the level of care approved.
✅ How Aged Care Conversations Can Help
We take the guesswork out of the process by helping you:
📝 Prepare a clear and honest picture of your needs
We help you list exactly what support is required each day — from showering to shopping to emotional support.💬 Get your message across with confidence
Whether it’s on the phone or in-person, we help you know what to say (and what not to).🧾 Understand what assessors look for
We draw on insights from former ACAT assessors and government guidelines to help you match their criteria clearly.⏳ Access interim support while you wait
We’ll guide you through private and community-based options if your needs are urgent and the system is slow.
💡 Our Top Tips for Assessment Success
Don’t minimise the situation – Be truthful about what’s hard.
Talk about functional impact – e.g. not just “I have arthritis,” but “I can’t open jars, grip taps, or dress without help.”
Mention carer stress – If your partner or adult children are struggling, that’s part of the story.
Be prepared with examples – Write down what a “bad day” looks like.
Start early – Delays are common. Being proactive makes a huge difference.
📣 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
At Aged Care Conversations, we’re here to advocate for you and ensure your needs are clearly understood and supported.
👉 Ready to prepare for your aged care assessment — or worried you’ve already said the wrong thing?
📩 Contact us at chat@agedcareconversations.com.au or visit www.agedcareconversations.com.au to get expert help today.