Single Assessment System – supporting My Aged Care

Who we are and what we do

The Australian Government has engaged organisations across Australia to help older people get the care and support they need. These organisations work in different areas across the country and are part of a system called the Single Assessment System.

In Northern and Western Melbourne, the North West Melbourne Aged Care Assessment Alliance (NWMACAA) is responsible for providing this service. The Alliance is made up of six local organisations — four community health services (Holstep Health, IPC Health, DPV Health and Your Community Health) and two local councils (City of Darebin and Merri-Bek City Council) and led by DPV Health.

Together, we assess the needs of older people and help connect them to the right services through My Aged Care. Holstep Health carries out about 30% of the aged care assessments in our local area. The other 70% is handled by other aged care organisations nearby.

Our goal is to make sure older people get the support they need to live well and safely.

What is the Single Assessment System (SAS)?

The Single Assessment System (SAS) is a new way to make aged care assessments simpler and more consistent for older people. As part of the My Aged Care system, our team is here to support older people by providing both simple and complex assessments. We are trained professionals — both clinical (medical) and non-clinical — who help work out what care and support a person needs.

How we help older people

Some of the key benefits of this new system include:

• assessments that match the person’s needs, whether simple or complex
• faster access to urgent services
• a single team to handle all types of assessments, so people don’t need to switch providers
• fair and independent assessments, not linked to service providers
• a focus on wellness and reablement, helping people stay independent for longer
• better tools for more accurate and consistent assessments
• easier access to services in regional and remote areas.

Why was the new system introduced?

Before the SAS, people had to go through different pathways depending on the type of care they needed — and it could get confusing. Now, the Single Assessment System gives everyone one clear path to follow, even if their needs change over time.

Who needs an Aged Care Assessment?

If you are:

• 65 or older, or
• 50 or older and identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

You will need to be assessed before accessing government-funded aged care services.

What does an assessment do?

An Aged Care Assessment helps to:

• understand your care needs
• figure out what types of aged care services you are eligible for

Types of aged care services you may be approved for

1. Home Support (entry-level help at home)

• • Through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

2. Home Care Packages (more ongoing support)

• • Home Care Packages, (replaced by Support at Home from 1 November) and Short-Term Restorative Care
  • May include residential respite care or moving into aged care

3. Residential Aged Care funding

• • For permanent care in an aged care home