Your next step: Ask for a simple chat about care before leaving hospital
One simple thing first:
Your Guidance
When someone is in hospital, it's a really important time to start thinking about what happens next. The hospital team, especially the discharge planner or social worker, can arrange for someone to come and have a simple chat about what help might be best for when they return home.
This chat is called an ACAT assessment, and it's the key to unlocking government-funded help, whether that's support at home (like cleaning or shower assistance) or finding a spot in an aged care home. It helps to get this sorted before they leave.
Your next 3 steps:
- Tell the hospital staff clearly: 'We will need support at home. Can you please organise a simple chat about our care needs before discharge?'
- Ask for all the paperwork: Get the discharge summary and any notes about falls or memory concerns. Keep copies for your records.
- Ask about short-term help: 'Is there any temporary help we can have for the first few weeks at home while we get organised?'
💬 A familiar feeling
“Asking for help felt scary — but it kept Dad at home, not in hospital.”
“Once we spoke to My Aged Care, I realised it’s just support, not giving up.”
Important:
What Happens Next
This week
Ask the hospital social worker for a My Aged Care referral before you leave.
Next few weeks
An assessor (ACAT) will contact you to organise an assessment at home.
After approval
Choose a provider to start services like shower help or nursing visits.
These are typical timeframes – some areas are faster or slower.
You don’t have to say it perfectly. Just read what’s on the screen.
This helps your GP or hospital see the full picture.
Get Help NowGetting support early helps you stay independent longer.
You’re not doing this alone. Asking for help keeps you in control.