How to Prepare for Your Aged Care Assessment
How to prepare for ACAT assessment in 2026: what to expect, who to bring, what to have ready, and how to describe your needs honestly.
What the assessment is for
What to expect on the day
Have someone with you
What to have ready
Describe your worst days, not just your best
Think about your goals
After the assessment
Frequently asked questions
How do I prepare for an aged care assessment?
Have your Medicare card, a list of conditions and medications, and GP details ready. Note what you find hard day to day and any recent falls. Invite a family member to sit in, and be ready to describe your harder days honestly.
What happens during the assessment?
An assessor usually visits you at home for an honest conversation about your health, mobility, daily activities, home safety and goals. It is not a test. They then recommend the type and level of aged-care support that fits your situation.
Should I downplay how I'm coping?
No. Describe your worst days, not just your best. Be honest about tasks you avoid, times you feel unsafe, and help family quietly provide. Underplaying your needs can lead to an outcome that gives you less support than you actually need.
Can I have someone with me at the assessment?
Yes. You are welcome to have a family member, friend or carer present, and it often helps. They can prompt details you might forget, describe changes you downplay, and take notes so you are not holding everything in your head afterwards.