Aged care assessment

The Aged Care Assessment Team provide independent assessments of the care needs of complex frail older people to determine what services they need. They assess the physical, medical, psychological, cultural, social and restorative needs of the older person and provide, information and referral to services appropriate to meet their needs and preferences.

The service is targeted for people 65 years of age and older who are complex frail aged. This service is also available Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander who are 50 years of age and older. The service is provided to people living within Northern Sydney Local Health District in people’s homes and in public and private hospitals.

Referral

• ACAT intake and scheduling is centrally managed through the ACAT central office at Macquarie Hospital.
• There are four clinical teams based at Hornsby, Mona Vale, Royal North Shore and Ryde
• Clients are assessed in the community or as inpatients of the private and public hospitals within NSLHD
• Clients are seen in order of priority and date the referral is accepted.
• The preferred location for an ACAT assessment is the persons home

Community Referral

Referrals can be made by anyone to consenting people who are prioritised according to need.

Clients can call My Aged Care PH: 1800 200 422 or log into www.myagedcare.gov.au

Health professionals can complete an online referral at https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/for-health-professionals

All people aged 65 years or older are eligible and for 50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people and who live within Northern Sydney Local Health District.

An interpreter or special support person can be provided if required at no cost

People with complex care needs can access subsidised care including:

Residential aged care

Residential aged care respite

Flexible care (transitional care and short term restorative care)

Home care packages

Under special circumstances younger people with a disability can be assessed for access to aged care services under. Contact ACAT directly to discuss eligibility and to receive an Information Pack.

ACAT can also arrange access to other Commonwealth and community services if required.

Inpatient hospital referral process:

Referral for inpatient assessment should be made by a member of the treating team to ensure the patient is ready for assessment. This is generally the social worker or discharge planner.

A completed referral form should be faxed directly to NSLHD ACAT on FAX: 9887 5688 (Please do not email)

To enquire about current approvals social workers and discharge planners should email: NSLHD-ACAT@health.nsw.gov.au

Before being referred for an ACAT assessment patients should have completed the full range of clinical and rehabilitation treatment and need to be medically stable at time of referral and ready to be discharged to their GP.

All Hospital referrals are all prioritised and will be seen within five days.

ACAT assessments are independent, comprehensive, holistic, multidisciplinary and multidimensional. The assessments focus on the client and promote the client's right to:

• Involve a carer or advocate
• Privacy and confidentiality
• Be informed
• Make a complaint and
• Request a review of the decision

Approval to access aged care services does not compel the client to accept the recommendations made by ACAT

ACAT will arrange joint assessments with non ACAT staff when required. This can include geriatricians, psychiatrists, mental health staff and specialist support workers such as Aboriginal health, Interpreters.

ACAT works closely with all key persons involved in the care of the client. This can include but not be restricted to:

• Carers and families - we invite them to participate in the assessment and support planning process with the consent of the client.
• General practitioners
• Specialist medical staff
• Hospital teams
• Aged care providers
• Public guardians and advocates

Cost

There is no cost. The service is funded through the Commonwealth Government. The Commonwealth funding agreement outlines the operational requirements for NSW in regard to the delivery, management and performance of ACAT.

• https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/