If you are considering staying at an aged care home or a nursing home, you will first need to get an ACAT assessment. Once they have determined your eligibility and the level of care you require, they will provide you with a list of nursing homes in your area.

An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) must first assess your eligibility for benefits before you can even consider going into an aged care home. During this assessment they will also determine what the appropriate level of care is required for your current condition and needs.

At this point, they will provide you with a list of facilities in your area that can cater to your nursing care needs. You will be able to choose one of these. You will have access to the accreditation status of the homes, as well as general information about them and their features.

Each and every retirement home must go through an accreditation process, whereby the residents and their families are given the opportunity to comment on the standards of services that the home provides. This gives you reassurance that the level of care is suitable for your requirements.

You can contact your ACAT representative if you have any difficulties in choosing your accommodation. Contact an Aged Care Assessment Team through the federal Department of Health and Aging or use the dedicated ACAT finder website www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au