Waiting for a My Aged Care assessment? Here’s what you can do in the meantime

What to do while waiting for a My Aged Care assessment

If you're waiting for an aged care assessment, there are several things you can do now to stay safe, active, and independent. 

Assessment wait times can vary – and waiting can be stressful, especially if everyday tasks are becoming more difficult. Temporary support services, assistive products, home safety changes, and community programs may help while you wait. 

While you're waiting for your assessment, you can: 

• See if there are local community support services you can access  
• Use assistive products to make daily tasks easier  
• Make simple home safety improvements  
• Stay active with exercise and social activities  
• Contact My Aged Care if your needs change 

Support available while you wait

While you wait for your assessment, you may be able to get help from local services, community groups, or people you know. 

You could try: 

• Local council services (check your local council website) 
• Neighbourhood or community centres (see our social activities finder) 
• Support from family, friends, or neighbours 
• Private cleaning, gardening, or meal services 
• Community transport programs 

When to contact My Aged Care again

It's important to update My Aged Care about changes in your circumstances so they are aware of your current support needs.

Consider contacting them if: 

• Your health or mobility worsens 
• You experience a fall 
• You've had a hospital visit or admission 
• You can no longer safely manage daily activities 
• Your support network is no longer available 

Keeping your information up to date helps ensure your needs are properly understood.  

If your circumstances have changed and you need immediate help, contact My Aged Care. You may be able to access urgent services. 

Ways to stay safe and independent while you wait

Assessment wait times can vary depending on your circumstances and location. While you wait, there are ways to stay safe, active, and independent. 

You don't need to wait for services to start making everyday tasks easier. Taking small steps now can help you maintain your independence and daily routines.  

Some simple strategies include: 

Using assistive products 

Some low-cost assistive products can make everyday tasks easier and safer.  

For example, you could try: 

• Jar openers to help you open jars and containers
• Long-handled reachers to help you pick up items from the floor without bending down
• Non-slip mats to help make showering and personal care safer to do independently
• Kettle tippers so you can pour boiling water by gently tipping the kettle, rather than lifting and carrying it

Making your home safer 

You can make simple changes to your home environment to support your safety and independence.

Consider: 

• Improving lighting in areas that are difficult to see
• Removing trip hazards such as loose rugs or clutter
• Rearranging furniture to create clear, unobstructed walkways
• Keeping frequently used items within easy reach

Staying active 

Staying strong and steady can help you keep doing everyday activities on your own. 

Regular movement and gentle exercise can help you stay active and independent. 

You could get started by: 

• Visiting our Strength and exercise page for printable exercise sheets
• Exploring our Fitness for All page for guided exercise videos
• Searching for local exercise classes and walking groups using our social activities finder

Adapting or pacing activities 

You may be able to adapt some activities to make them more manageable. 

Try: 

• Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps 
• Taking regular breaks 
• Planning your day around when you have the most energy 
• Spreading activities throughout the day with rest time in between 

This can help manage fatigue and make daily tasks feel more comfortable.  

Exploring free information and local support 

There are many free ways to find information, support, and activities. 

You could: 

• Read more LiveUp articles about healthy ageing or helpful tools 
• Find local social groups and activities using our social activities finder
• Connect with carer support groups if you're helping a family member or friend 
• Connect with advocacy services, such as the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)  

Start with one small step

While you're waiting, focus on one thing at a time. Consider choosing one of the following actions you can take today: 

• Explore a local community group.
• Try an assistive product that supports a daily task.
• Contact My Aged Care for an update.
• Talk with your GP, family, or a trusted friend about support options.

Even small changes can help you stay active, independent, and connected while you wait for your assessment. 

If you need more information about healthy ageing, take the LiveUp quiz or get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.  

References

My Aged Care. (n.d.). Non government-funded providers. Australian Government. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/non-government-funded-providers

My Aged Care. (n.d.). What to do while you wait for your assessment outcome. Australian Government. https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/what-do-while-you-wait-your-assessment-outcome

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