Aged Care Reassessments: How Often They Happen, Who Starts Them, and Why They Matter

As our needs change over time, so should our care and support. That’s why reassessments are an essential part of aged care; they ensure your services keep pace with your current health, goals, and lifestyle, not just how things looked a year ago.



Whether you receive help through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package (HCP), regular reviews make sure your plan is working for you and that your funding is being used in the best possible way.

What is a reassessment?

A reassessment is a routine check-in to confirm your care plan and services still match your needs, goals, and preferences. It’s part of good care management and ensures your supports remain relevant and effective.

Who initiates it?

Home Care Packages (HCP Levels 1–4)

Your provider/care manager leads regular reviews as part of care management. They assess your needs, keep your care plan and budget up to date, and discuss upgrades if your needs increase. You (or your family) can also ask for a reassessment any time.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

Your provider monitors and regularly reviews your supports. If your needs grow beyond entry-level help, they’ll refer you to My Aged Care for a new assessment. You can also request a reassessment yourself.

How often do reassessments happen?

CHSP

Your provider must review your services at least every 12 months to make sure they still meet your needs.

HCP

Reviews happen at least once a year, but more often if something changes—like a new health event, diagnosis, or shift in daily needs.

Tip: Don’t wait, reach out for an early review if things change, and your provider can guide you or help liaise with My Aged Care.

What does the care manager actually do with the information?

Your care manager turns the conversation into an updated, practical plan:

1. Understand what’s changed — health, mobility, memory, mood, safety, goals, and what matters most to you.
   
2. Review your current plan & budget — what’s working, what’s not, and whether new services or equipment would help.
   
3. Adjust supports — increase/decrease visits, add allied health or social supports, arrange referrals, and make sure services align with any other supports you receive.
   
4. Document & agree — update your care plan and budget, answer questions, and confirm you’re happy before changes start.
5. Implement & monitor — schedule changes and keep checking in so things stay on track.



Checking package level as well as goals

During a reassessment, FOCUS Connect’s care managers don’t just check whether your current supports align with your goals — they also look at whether you’re on the right level of support.

• If your current package level is meeting your needs, your care plan will simply be updated.
• If your needs have grown beyond your current level, we’ll recommend more services and, if necessary, support you through the My Aged Care process for a formal reassessment to move to a higher-level package. This ensures you always have the right amount of help for your situation.



How FOCUS Connect runs reassessments

HCP Level 1–2

We can complete your reassessment over the phone if this is more convenient with your care manager or face-to-face.

HCP Level 3–4

We complete reassessments face-to-face to take a deeper look at your needs in person.

CHSP

We review your services routinely and, if your needs grow, we’ll support a referral to My Aged Care for a new assessment.

Registered Nurse Support

As part of your reassessment, our registered nurse can provide a clinical review and prepare detailed reports that outline your health needs. This can be especially helpful for:

• Supporting applications for a higher-level package.
• Documenting complex care needs such as wound management, continence care, or medication support.
• Ensuring your care plan reflects both your medical and daily living requirements.
  

Reach out if you notice any of the following:

• New diagnosis, fall, hospital admission, or medication changes
  
• Shifts in memory, mood, continence, or swallowing
  
• Reduced mobility or confidence getting out and about
  
• Changes in your carer’s capacity (illness, travel, work)
  
  

You don’t need to wait for the next scheduled check-in; a quick call can start the process.



Will a reassessment reduce my services?

Reassessments are usually about increasing or adjusting support to meet your current needs, for example, adding hours, introducing allied health, or reshaping services around new goals.  A reduction would only be considered if your needs have genuinely decreased and you’re comfortable with the change. The focus is always on safety, independence, and what matters to you.



What to have handy

• A short list of what’s going well and what’s hard lately
• Any recent hospital letters, scripts, or allied health notes
• Your goals (e.g., safe showering, getting to community groups, staying active)
  
  

Local help when you need it

If you live in Macarthur, South West Sydney, or the Northern Suburbs of Sydney and think your aged care supports need a refresh, contact FOCUS Connect. We’ll guide you through the following steps and coordinate with My Aged Care if a formal reassessment is required, so your care stays aligned with your life.