The Australian Government engages State and Territory governments to manage and administer the Aged Care Assessment Program (ACAP).

This program includes the employment of assessment staff for Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs) and the delivery of assessment services in each State or Territory.

ACATs comprehensively assess the care needs of the elderly and assist them to access services most appropriate to meet their care needs. This may involve referring clients to services such as those available under the Home and Community Care (HACC) program, which do not require approval under the Act.

Alternatively, they may approve a person as eligible for residential aged care, home care and flexible care services.

A person must generally be assessed and approved by an ACAT before they can access residential aged care, home care and flexible care services.

From 1 July 2015, the new Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) has combined, under the one program, services that previously provided four basic home support services:

  • Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC) Program
  • Planned respite from the National Respite for Carers Program (NRCP)
  • Day Therapy Centres (DTC) Program
  • Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged (ACHA) Program

Consolidating these programs has provided a comprehensive basic Home Support Program for older people who continue to live in the community, funded by the Commonwealth government.

Please use our Business Director Search facility if you require assistance in finding ‘Aged Care Homes‘ in your local area.