Alternative route to accessing My Aged Care
Older Australians about to start their aged care services journey can now apply for an aged care assessment through the My Aged Care website.
![<p>People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment on the My Aged Care website. [Source: Shutterstock]</p>](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/news/articles/Alternative-route-to-accessing-My-Aged-Care-30_01_2020.jpg?fm=pjpg&format=auto&w=550&q=65)
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment on the My Aged Care website. [Source: Shutterstock]
People will be able to access a new online form to register for their first assessment and can be completed in their own time as an alternative to calling the My Aged Care contact centre.
The Federal Government is aiming to improve the functionality of the My Aged Care website with this additional contact form.
A family member, friend or carer can help an older person manage the online application, or someone can do it on their behalf, however, they will need to be registered as your representative on My Aged Care.
To register a regular representative, you can either call My Aged Care, ask an assessor at your face-to-face assessment, or fill out the Appointment of a Representative Form available on the My Aged Care website here.
Medical professionals will need to continue using the existing referral process.
This recent change is part of a service update on the My Aged Care website, which includes, enhanced compare functionality in the ‘Find a Provider’ tool, improvements to site search functions to find relevant search results, print-friendly web pages, Home Care Package providers will have reduced duplication entries in the ‘Find a Provider’ tool section, drop-down menus for easier navigation of the website.
What’s in the online assessment application?
The online application only takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete and the form works across all types of care you may require, such as Home Care Packages, short-term care, or care in an aged care home.
In the application, questions will be asked to assess your eligibility and what care you may require from day to day.
You will be required to provide your personal information and will need your Medicare card details.
If someone is applying for you, then the representative has to provide their personal information as well.
The form will finish off, asking who the assessor should contact to organise a face to face assessment.
To find out more about My Aged Care and how to use it, click here.
