My Aged Care

Is there a cost for an aged care assessment?

No. There is no cost for an aged care assessment.

What will the aged care assessor want to know when they visit me?

All aged care assessments follow national guidelines that your assessor will adhere to. During the assessment, your assessor will ask about your strengths and abilities, areas where you have difficulty, and the supports that might best meet your needs and goals. They may ask about the services you already access, and about the things you rely on for support, including a family member, carer, or a Guide Dog.

If your support plan identifies a need for low-level funded supports, your assessor can start referring you directly to service providers who can assist.

What if the aged care assessor does not understand my needs?

Aged care assessors are highly experienced in their field, but some may need additional information to understand how to assist a person who is blind or has low vision. If your assessor is unsure of what support you may need, you can contact our Client Services team on 1800 757 738.

We can advise the assessor on the range of services available to people who are blind or with low vision. Alternatively, ask the assessor to refer you to Guide Dogs SA/NT. We can review the vision services included in your support plan to ensure they meet your needs.

Why do I need an aged care assessment if I’m not physically frail?

Aged care assessments are not just about your level of physical fitness. An assessor can also make a referral for vision and mobility services like Occupational Therapy or Orientation & Mobility. Your assessor will take a holistic approach to ensuring your independence and safety is assured – now and into the future.

What are low-level funded supports?

Depending on your situation, your assessor can include a range of services in your support plan. These are supports provided on an episodic, or ‘low-level’ ongoing basis. Following your assessment, your assessor can start referring you directly to service providers for low-level funded supports.

These could include help around the house, with meals, or for personal care. If it’s appropriate, your assessor can also make referrals for home maintenance or home modifications, and for allied health and therapy services. Many of these services can be provided by your local council. Your assessor will be able to explain whether any of these supports would require a co-payment from you.

What if I need more than low-level funded supports?

If your assessor recognises that you have more comprehensive in-home care needs, then you may receive approval for a Home Care Package. A Home Care Package is a pool of funds that have been allocated to an individual, which can be used to pay for higher level in-home aged care services.

Not every aged care assessor will be able to determine your eligibility for a Home Care Package, so you may be asked to participate in a second assessment, with an assessor who can make that determination.

What is the Support at Home Program?

Support at Home is the Australian Government’s in-home aged care program, designed to help older Australians remain independent and continue living at home for longer.

The program funds a range of services based on your assessed needs and goals. As a My Aged Care service provider under the Support at Home program, Guide Dogs SA/NT can deliver specialist vision services to eligible participants living with low vision or blindness.