How can I access residential aged care under the new Act? 

The process to access government-funded aged care services in Australia will change under the new Aged Care Act which comes into effect on 1 November 2025. The change is designed to make it more streamlined and easier to understand. Assessments have been redesigned to be fair and culturally safe, ensuring respectful and appropriate care for people from all backgrounds.  

The new process also introduces new terminology to better align with this streamlined approach. Here’s what you need to know. 

• Single Assessment System replaces ACAT (aged care assessment team) and RAS (regional assessment service).  
• Trained Assessors are professionals who conduct the assessments. These may be registered nurses, allied health professionals, or other qualified personnel trained in aged care needs assessment. 
• Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) is a standardised national tool used to evaluate your care needs across all service types: support at home, residential care and transition care. It is designed to reduce duplication, improve continuity of care and ensure culturally safe, trauma-aware assessments. 

Here’s a brief overview of the new streamlined process: 

1. The first step to access funded aged care services is to confirm your eligibility and apply. To get started, visit MyAgedCare  or call 1800 200 422. 

2. If your application is successful, you will be notified and referred for an assessment. Assessments are conducted by professionals from the Single Assessment System workforce called Trained Assessors. 

3. The Assessment process uses the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT). Your assessment will be conducted in a location that works best for you, which may be in your own home, over the phone, a video call or in a community setting.  

To learn more about the process and how to access residential aged care download this free ebook.