Aged Care Application Assistance for Seniors
Many older people from migrant backgrounds struggle with the complexity of the aged care system and cannot access the services they need.
We provide specialist, intensive, face to face support to help you overcome the language barrier and apply for government-funded aged care services.
CASS care finder Services
CASS care finder service is funded by Central and Eastern Primary Health Network and aims to provide specialist, intensive, face to face support to help people from within the care finder target regions to understand and access aged care services and connect them with other relevant supports in the community.
Why Do Some Older Australians Need Extra Support to Access Aged Care?
Who Can Benefit from care finder Services?
CASS Aged Care Connect Assistance
As a continued effort of the EnCOMPASS Multicultural Aged Care Connector Program, CASS Care is proud to offer CASS Aged Care Connect Assistance (CACCA), to help culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) seniors navigate the My Aged Care.
Many older people from migrant backgrounds struggle with the complexity of the aged care system and cannot access the services they need. Our CACCA connectors can provide FREE personalised one-to-one support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Application and Assessment of “My Aged Care“
❓ Q: My parents are aged 65 and over, can they register with “My Aged Care” for assessment?
👉 A: Apart from meeting the age requirements, anyone holding a valid can apply for My Aged Care services.
If you need help with everyday tasks – such as shopping, cooking, or personal care – you can request a free 90-minute assessment to check your eligibility for the Aged care programs.
❓ Q: Can I ask my family member(s) to help register with “My Aged Care” for me?
👉 A: Yes, a family member, friend or carer can support you to apply but they need to get your consent first. This involves registering the person as your representative. With your permission, they can complete the application or talk on your behalf.
❓ Q: My parents and I want to apply for “My Aged Care” but English isn’t my first language. Is there support available?
👉 A: Yes, you can contact our CACCA connectors for assistance anytime. We have Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese and Indonesian speaking Connectors who provide FREE one-on-one support through accessing “My Aged Care” until a care plan is developed. Our connector will take a personalised and tailor-made approach to provide culturally appropriate information and assistance on how to access aged care services. You will not be alone during the application process.
❓ Q: My father is physically healthy, but unfortunately, he has got a serious illness recently and discharged from hospital for a month. Can he apply in this case?
👉 A: Yes, Restorative Care Pathway is probably the best option for him in this situation. This service supports the seniors with short term (up to 12 weeks), flexible and intensive help to restore their ability and well-being after a hospital stay, thereby deferring their entry into higher level of care. You can apply with “My Aged Care” for Restorative Care Pathway.
❓ Q: Can I apply “My Aged Care” for my partner if he is living with dementia but physically healthy?
👉 A: Yes, seniors with dementia can apply for an assessment of “My Aged Care”. The applicant will be asked about the current health condition and the help required, assessor will make an appropriate study and assessment to ensure the services offered can accommodate the applicant’s needs.
❓ Q: My wife and I are going to be 80 years old, we are physically active but without any family support and care. Are we able to apply “My Aged Care”?
👉 A: YES, if certain home support is necessary to keep you well and maintain daily routine to live independently, you can apply for assessment. For example, some seniors may need help with shopping and home cleaning, a free assessment through My Aged Care will determine which kind of care and support you are eligible to receive.
❓Q: I live with my parents, but I am not able to take them to medical appointments or shopping very often due to my busy schedule. Can I apply for them under this situation?
👉 A: YES, not every grown-up child is able to take care of the daily needs and specific health care of his/her parents. If the seniors are unable to manage their daily routines to keep them well or without sufficient care from any family member for their health needs, that means they might need help with home support. “My Aged Care” is available for application under this situation.
❓Q: The first step to access government-funded aged care services is to check your eligibility for an assessment. If you have checked that you are eligible, what is the next step?
👉 You need to get assessed, you can do it online or over the phone.
1️⃣ Apply ONLINE
You can apply for an assessment online at https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment/apply-online. You should ensure that your Medicare Card and one other form of ID proof are with you before you start. The applicant is required to fill in the name, date of birth, contact details, current correspondence address and other support information. The process takes around 15-20 minutes.
2️⃣ Apply over the PHONE
You can call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to apply for an assessment.
My Aged Care contact centre (Freecall*)
Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 10am to 2pm
Closed on Sundays and national public holidays
*1800 numbers are free from landlines and most mobile phones. Check with your mobile phone provider for more information.
The online application is quick and easy but if English is not your first language, CACCA will match you with a Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese or Indonesian speaking Connector to offer you help and assistance.
Our friendly and knowledgeable CACCA Connectors can provide FREE personalised one-to-one support to help you go through the process step by step. Contact our CACCA Connectors today about your needs and circumstances.
Requesting an appeal or reapplying for a My Aged Care assessment:
You may have questions about your My Aged Care assessment outcome, particularly if you wish to appeal the decision or reapply for an assessment.
❓Q: My father is in his 70s. He has elderly diseases and has many inconveniences in his life, so I tried to apply for a My Aged Care services for him, but he didn’t approve anything. What can I do in this situation?
👉 If you have any concerns about your assessment or do not agree with the outcome of your assessment, you can contact My Aged Care or Assessment organization or service provider. They can explain the assessment process and discuss the results with you. If you do not know their contact details, you can directly contact My Aged Care.
If the issue is not resolved or you still disagree with the outcome, you can raise your concerns or make a complaint through My Aged Care.
If you need support contacting the Assessment organization or applying for My Aged Care services, please feel free to reach out to our CACCA connectors for assistance.