ACAT assessments given by Sydney Aged Care Financial Advisers don’t have to be elongated and stressful processes for participants.
The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) provide pathways for elderly Australian citizens who intend to move onto the next phase of their lives into retirement.
If they cannot support themselves living independently and need the access of Government-funded services, then they have to go through the appropriate steps to receive that support.
But how does this program work exactly? What should individuals know about the system and their role in it?
Here we will outline some key tips for citizens who are about to approach the assessment to help alleviate the doubts and anxieties that can be associated with the program.
Discuss Potential Options Prior to ACAT Arrival
The central objective for ACAT assessments in Sydney Aged Care Financial Advisers is to help inform the client about their status and what potential services they are eligible for. Prior to their arrival, it is worthwhile for participants to speak with close family members, partners, friends and carers about the possible options that will be presented and their preference for one or the other. This will include an aged care home, home care, transition care, residential respite care or restorative care. Each one of these choices is designed to meet the physical and mental needs of the individual, taking into account their condition and what they will require in the upcoming weeks, months and years. If the client already has an ideal target in mind, that can help to expedite the process.
Have Information Prepared Ahead of Time
What will really help to push matters along when dealing with ACAT assessments in Sydney is the possession of a number of key documents and pieces of information. This will feature the details of the local GP or specialist doctor that has given a diagnoses, a Medicare card, medical reporting documents and any other materials that could help them assess the situation, including a lease agreement. When individuals sit down with these members, the program can be delayed when they have to go searching for this information.
Have Support Network Present
Depending on the condition of the participant, ACAT assessments in Sydney are ideally carried out in a one-on-one setting with simple questions asked and direct answers given. However, with aged care recipients there is often the need to include a carer, partner or next of kin during the discussions. They will be able to prompt clients for information and help to guide them through the process in full knowledge of their history and condition. So long as they permission to be there and are trusted to help influence a decision, they should be present.
Ask The Assessor Questions
ACAT assessments in Sydney are not all designed around one-way questions and reporting. This is an opportunity for clients to determine their own plans for the future. Questions can include:
- How much will a transition cost?
- Can I keep my assets?
- Do I need further assessments?
- Are there parts of my lifestyle that I can continue whilst receiving these services?
- What role can my children play during my care?
The more information that is known by the client, the better informed they will be and the best solution can be sourced in that scenario.
Continue Dialogue With ACAT Members
Whether participants pass or fail ACAT assessments in Sydney, they should be in dialogue with the body. On one hand they will need to negotiate the logistics about a switch to their services and the practicalities of rolling that program out. On the other they will be given feedback and advice on why they failed and what they should do to ensure they pass the next time.
