Accessing Aged Care Services
If you are looking for Australian Government funded aged care services, then My Aged Care is a great place to start. You can find what services may be available to help you if you are eligible and how much it might cost you. To know for sure if you are eligible for services, you will need to have an assessment.
WA Health Aged Care Assessment (ACA) Outlets
ACA outlets assess older people to determine which Australian Government-funded aged care services they are eligible for. Assessments can take place at home in the community or in hospital and be for entry level or more complex needs.
WA Health ACA outlets are overseen by State health service providers and funded by the State and Australian Governments. In addition to WA Health ACA outlets, there are also private aged care assessment organisations who provide assessments in the community.
Based on these assessments, ACA outlets recommend services to assist the older person and their carer(s) to access appropriate levels of support.
ACA outlets may recommend Australian Government-funded services such as:
Cost
Aged care assessments are provided free of charge.
Who is eligible?
Anyone can request an assessment - a referral from a GP or medical professional is not required.
To be eligible to receive funding for and get access to aged care services, certain criteria must be met.
You may be eligible if you:
- are an older person aged 65 and older
- are an Aboriginal person aged 50 and older
- are homeless or at risk of homelessness and aged 50 and older
You may also:
- have noticed a change in what you can and can’t do or remember.
- have been diagnosed with a medical condition or a reduction in mobility.
- had a recent fall or hospital admission.
- have experienced a change in family care arrangements.
- have care requirements indicating a need for Australian Government subsidised services.
Learn more about eligibility.
How do I access an Assessment for Aged Care Services?
You can apply for an assessment online or you can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. You may also be referred for an assessment by a health professional whilst in hospital.
Following application for an assessment, you will be contacted by an WA Health ACA outlet or another aged care assessment organisation to understand more about your needs and to arrange an assessment.
Learn more about the assessment process.
After your assessment you will receive an assessment result and, if eligible for services, a support plan.
Learn more about what happens after an assessment.
What if care needs change?
If circumstances or care requirements change, a Needs Review can be undertaken to consider whether additional or extended services are required. Learn more about Needs Reviews.
How do I make a complaint?
As a consumer of aged care assessment services, you are entitled to express your concerns about your experience of the assessment process and have any complaint dealt with objectively.
Should you have any concerns regarding the performance of a WA Health ACA outlet team member or your assessment, please contact your WA Health ACA outlet in the first instance.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, you can contact the Aged Care Programs and Planning Team at the Western Australian Department of Health at waacap@health.wa.gov.au.
If your assessment was completed by another aged care assessment organisation, you should contact them and request information on their complaints process.
Further information regarding the complaints process is available on the My Aged Care website.
How do I challenge an assessment decision?
You have the right to challenge the assessment decision outlined in your approval letter
If you do not agree with the ACAT assessment outcome or would like to discuss the decision, please contact your ACAT assessor or organisation in the first instance.
If you are still not satisfied with the decision, you may ask for a review free of charge by writing to the Secretary of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
In your letter, outline why you think the decision should be changed. Your letter must be sent within 28 days of receiving your approval letter.
POSTAL ADDRESS:
The Secretary
Department of Health and Aged Care
Attn: Aged Care Assessment Program Reconsiderations
GPO Box 9848
ADELAIDE SA 5001
If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the Secretary’s review, you may ask for a second review of the decision through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (there will be a change for this).
Learn more about the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Questions about aged care assessment?
Last reviewed: 02-07-2025
Acknowledgements
Aged and Continuing Care Directorate
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.