Why Has the Wait for an Aged Care Assessment Got Longer?
If you or a family member has recently applied for government-funded aged care services — like a Home Care Package, CHSP, or residential aged care — you may be wondering why nothing’s happened yet. The truth is, many older Australians are waiting months for an aged care assessment, and in some cases, they’re not being assessed at all.
So, what’s gone wrong?
🆕 A New System Was Meant to Make Things Easier
On 1 January 2025, the government introduced a new system called the Single Assessment System (SAS). It replaced the old ACAT and RAS pathways with one simplified process for aged care assessments.
But while the goal was to make things easier, the rollout has been anything but smooth — and it’s left thousands of people stuck in limbo.
🕒 Assessment Wait Times Are Often Much Longer Than Reported
Although the Department of Health reports an average wait time of around 7 weeks, many people are experiencing much longer delays — in some cases, several months. The actual wait often depends on where you live, how urgent your needs are, and which provider is handling the referral.
❗ Why Are Aged Care Assessments Taking So Long?
The delays are mostly due to staff shortages, a backlog of cases, and outdated information on the My Aged Care website. New providers weren’t given enough time to hire trained assessors, inherited thousands of old referrals, and many people are still being directed to organisations that no longer do assessments.
⚠️ Don’t Wait Too Long to Get Started
It’s very common for families to delay starting the aged care process. You might want to:
“sort out medical issues”
“talk to other family members”
or “get Mum out of hospital first”
But delaying the start of the process only pushes everything back further.
Starting the process early helps reduce how long you’ll wait overall. The sooner you're in the system, the sooner things can move forward.
While you wait for an assessment, it may also be necessary to explore interim options or access other available supports, such as private care, respite, or community services.
At Aged Care Conversations, we can help you prepare properly for the assessment, ensuring assessors have the right information to make an accurate decision. We can also support you in exploring short-term options while you wait — so you're not left without help when it’s needed most.
🧾 A Good Assessment Starts With Good Preparation
When the assessment finally happens, it’s important that it reflects the person’s actual needs. That’s where we come in. We can help you:
Understand what assessors are looking for
Gather the right information
Advocate for the services you need
Make sure your loved one is properly represented
💬 We're Here to Help
At Aged Care Conversations, we work with families every day who are frustrated by delays and unclear processes. If you’re feeling stuck, confused, or overwhelmed — you’re not alone.
👉 Need help getting an aged care assessment started or prepared for?
chat@agedcareconversations.com.au — we’ll guide you every step of the way.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does an aged care assessment take in 2025?
The Department of Health reports an average wait time of 7 weeks, but many people are experiencing much longer delays — sometimes several months — depending on location and urgency.
What can I do while waiting for an aged care assessment?
You can explore short-term options like private home care, respite, or community services. Aged Care Conversations can help you find interim support and ensure you’re prepared for the assessment.
How do I know if it’s time to start the aged care process?
If someone’s care needs are increasing, their safety is at risk, or they’re struggling to manage at home — that’s the time to act. Starting early reduces overall wait time and improves access to care.