If you or a loved one is starting to need a bit of extra support, an aged care assessment is the essential first step. It’s how you unlock government-subsidised aged care — whether that’s help at home or a place in a residential home. The process is straightforward, but it can feel unfamiliar the first time. This guide walks you through how to apply for a My Aged Care assessment in Adelaide, step by step.
- The assessment is the first step — you can’t access subsidised aged care without it.
- It’s free — and usually done in person, in your own home.
- Start by contacting My Aged Care — call 1800 200 422 or apply online.
- A little preparation helps — have your ID and care information ready.
Why you need an aged care assessment
An aged care assessment is a free evaluation of an older person’s care needs. It’s the mandatory first step to access any government-subsidised aged care — including in-home support (through Support at Home), residential aged care, and respite. Without it, you can’t access subsidised services, so it’s where every aged care journey begins.
Since December 2024, assessments have been delivered through a new Single Assessment System, which brought together what used to be separate assessment pathways into one simpler process using a standardised national tool.
How to apply: step by step
Step 1: Contact My Aged Care
There are three ways to start:
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to talk through your needs
- Apply online at the My Aged Care website (takes around 15–20 minutes)
- Ask a health professional (like your GP) to make a referral on your behalf
During the application, you’ll be asked about your current situation and the help you need. Have your Medicare card handy, as you’ll need it for this step.
Step 2: An assessment organisation contacts you
Once your application is submitted, a local assessment organisation will call you — usually within a couple of weeks — to confirm your needs based on what you’ve told My Aged Care, and to arrange a time for your assessment.
Step 3: Have your assessment
The assessment is done in person, usually in your own home (occasionally by phone or video, or in hospital, depending on your situation). A trained assessor talks with you about your health, lifestyle, and how you’re managing daily tasks — to work out what support would help you most. You can have a family member, friend, carer or interpreter with you.
Step 4: Receive your outcome
After the assessment, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision (by post or email), which sets out the type and level of care you’ve been approved for, along with a support plan. This usually arrives within a few weeks.
There’s no charge for the aged care assessment itself. It’s a government service. The information you receive afterwards will explain any fees for the actual care services — but the assessment costs you nothing.
What to prepare for your assessment
A little preparation helps you feel more confident and get the most out of the conversation. Have ready:
Identification
Your Medicare card plus one other form of ID (driver’s licence, healthcare card, passport or DVA card).
Medical & care information
Any referrals, relevant health information, and details of support you already receive.
A support person (optional)
A family member, friend, carer or interpreter can be with you — whatever helps you feel comfortable.
Your goals and questions
Think about what you want from support, and jot down any questions to ask the assessor.
The assessor wants to understand your needs, wishes and preferences — not just tick boxes. Thinking in advance about what independence looks like for you, what you’re finding hard, and what would help most, leads to a support plan that genuinely fits your life.
Ready to explore aged care?
Once you’re assessed and approved, our Adelaide team can help you put your care in place — whether that’s support at home or residential care. Let’s talk about what would help.
What happens after you’re approved?
Being approved is the beginning, not the end. Once you have your Notice of Decision and support plan, the next steps are:
- Understand your approval — what type and level of care you’ve been approved for.
- Get a means assessment (if needed) — Services Australia works out your contributions based on income and assets.
- Choose a provider — find an aged care provider that suits your needs and preferences.
- Start your services — put your support in place and begin receiving care.
If you’re weighing up your options, our guide to in-home care vs residential aged care can help you think it through.
Your assessment isn’t set in stone. If your needs change — a new diagnosis, a fall, or increased care needs — you can request a reassessment at any time through My Aged Care. And if you don’t agree with an outcome, you have the right to ask for a review.
Humanity Care is an aged care specialist in Adelaide. While the assessment is done by an independent assessor, we’re here to help once you’re approved — explaining your options, helping you put your care in place, and delivering compassionate support at home or in residential care.
Frequently asked questions about aged care assessments
How do I apply for a My Aged Care assessment?
You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, apply online at the My Aged Care website (around 15–20 minutes), or ask a health professional to refer you. You’ll be asked about your situation and needs, and you’ll need your Medicare card. An assessment organisation then contacts you to arrange the assessment.
Is the aged care assessment free?
Yes. The assessment itself is completely free — it’s a government service. You may pay fees for the actual care services you receive afterwards (depending on a means assessment), but the assessment costs you nothing.
Where does the assessment take place?
Assessments are usually done in person, in your own home, so you don’t need to go anywhere. Occasionally they may happen by phone or video, or in another setting like a hospital, depending on your situation. You can have a family member, friend or interpreter with you.
What should I bring to the assessment?
Have your Medicare card and one other form of ID (like a driver’s licence or healthcare card), any relevant medical and care information, and details of support you already receive. It also helps to think about your goals and prepare any questions for the assessor.
How long does the assessment process take?
After you apply, an assessment organisation usually contacts you within a couple of weeks to book the assessment. Your outcome (the Notice of Decision) typically arrives within a few weeks after the assessment. Wait times vary, so it’s worth starting early — especially if needs are pressing.
Can Humanity Care help after my assessment?
Yes. Once you’re assessed and approved, Humanity Care can help you understand your options and put your care in place — whether that’s in-home support or residential care in Adelaide. Get in touch for a no-obligation chat about how we can help.
The first step towards support
Applying for a My Aged Care assessment is simpler than it might first appear — a phone call or online application, a conversation at home, and a decision that opens the door to the support you need. With a little preparation, you can approach it with confidence.
If you’d like help understanding aged care in Adelaide, or you’re ready to explore your options once approved, our friendly local team is here to help.
Explore aged care support in Adelaide
Talk to our local team about aged care and how we can help once you’re approved — with no obligation.
