Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) - What to Expect?

CrankyCarrot on 23/09/2019 - 18:48
Last edited 23/09/2019 - 22:59 by 1 other user

My father has some pretty noticeable dementia going on and I've called in the ACAT people to check him out and see what services are available to keep him semi-independently living by himself. He does not want to go into a home, ever, though I acknowledge that's likely how most people feel.

I haven't been through this before, but have become his carer to help him dodge nursing homes for as long as humanly possible. Living with him isn't an option, so I've gone for the next best thing and rent nearby. I'm seeking info from others who have been through similar.

Regarding ACAT, is it best to push for the whole enchilada, ie a Level 4 (of 4) diagnosis? The info floating around in the ether suggests this can take years to be approved/enacted following ACAT assessment. Do you have access to everything in say levels 1 and 2 from the get-go during this time if you qualify for the higher 3 and 4? It seems the services available through level 1 and 2 are granted immediately by comparison if he gets assessed at that.

Should I be pushing for level 3 or 4 and hence calling attention to every symptom of his dementia of which there are many? (ie taking the assessor to the bathroom to show the kettle that just keeps being put there for some reason no matter how many times I set it up in the kitchen, and worse), or will that somehow work to our detriment?

Also, is there any way an ACAT assessment can result in someone being forcefully removed from their place?

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  kahn on 23/09/2019 - 19:51

  The most important thing is your father's wellbeing and ACAT will conduct the assessment with that objective in mind. They will assess his mental and physical abilities, but they can't force any action unless a state appointed guardian decides so. You will need to decide if you want to take on the task of being your father's guardian and/or administrator.

  There's a lot to consider and going through all the issues on a bargain forum is impractical. I suggest contacting a professional to help guide you through your options or at least read through some documentation.

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    CrankyCarrot on 23/09/2019 - 20:42

    "I suggest contacting a professional to help guide you through your options or at least read through some documentation."

    I've done all that. I want to know specifically what happens when/after the ACAT people visit and how to play that visit. The gov't doesn't always get it right by default. I know other people on this forum have been through the process already.

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      kahn on 23/09/2019 - 22:37

      Surely, if you've spoken to a professional and/or read the available literature, you wouldn't be left with your existing questions. Regardless, if your father is assessed as requiring low/high level care then you will then be able to make applications to the relevant care facilities. This can take months, but not always. If he's assessed as only needing care at home, then he will be able to get this soon.

      I assume you're worried that he will be at risk of injury during the waiting period (if any) for admission to an aged care facility. You can arrange some sort of interim care if you pay privately. I am unsure if publicly subsidised care can be provided during the waiting period.

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        CrankyCarrot on 23/09/2019 - 23:45

        You can get 63 days of "temporary respite," per financial year, which is subsidised - you pay 1 out of 3 of the fees that would apply were the person to go into permanent care, this being the daily accommodation fee (about 90% of the age pension; ie the RAD and Means Tested Care Fee are omitted).

        This is one of the many services you get access to, though I don't know specifics like which level of care (1-4) it's available for (I assume all). That is something I could speak with the relevant departments about.

        There are often little things that may qualify/disqualify you for certain services. You won't always be able to get a straight answer regarding this stuff on the record from those working for these organisations, which is why it can pay to gather anecdotal info from people without quotas and agendas — People who have been through the system before and can give you a client's perspective, rather than a providers one. This is who I was looking to hear from.

        What is your experience with ACAT Kahn? Have you had a family member assessed by them? Do you work in the industry?

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          kahn on 24/09/2019 - 00:06

          @CrankyCarrot: No, just personal experiences. The temporary respite should be for all levels. You probably already know what the likely outcome of the assessment will be, so you could consider making enquiries with care providers in advance.

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  giacgal on 23/09/2019 - 23:45

  ACAT is going to assess and I am sorry but you cannot personally push for a higher level (at least not at this stage).
  Most likely the assessor will assign an interim level and approve for a higher one, which it can take few months to be assigned.
  Following the Assessment a Home Care Package will be approved and the level of care and possible in-home assistance depend by the assessment itself and the provider you choose. Furthermore he will be able to access some CHSP services and residential respite.
  I would suggest you to have a PAS or RUDAS done as soon as possible so, once the HCP is assigned, the provider will be able to apply for a dementia supplement.

  There is no risk for the ACAT assessor to force your father into a residential care facility as it is not up to them.
  You may want to look into obtaining a power of attorney (if you haven’t already done it).

  The above is just a generic indication based on the information you provided.
  I hope it can helps.

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    CrankyCarrot on 23/09/2019 - 23:56

    Hi Giacgal,

    Yes, that's useful, thanks. I will have to Google PAS, RUDAS and …I'm guessing it's Home Care Provider.

    I have Enduring POA and Guardianship.