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 the Support at Home (SAH) program (which replaces Home Care Packages from 1 November 2025), regular reviews help make sure your services are working for you and that your funding is used in the most effective way.

What is a reassessment?

A reassessment is a structured review of your care and services to confirm they still meet your needs and preferences. It’s part of good care management and ensures your supports adapt as your situation evolves. For example, after a hospital stay, a diagnosis, or changes to mobility or independence.

Who initiates it?

Support at Home (formerly Home Care Packages)

Under the new Support at Home program, your provider or care coordinator leads regular reviews as part of ongoing care management. They’ll discuss your progress, update your plan and budget, and identify whether your needs have increased or changed.

You or your family can also request a reassessment at any time if you feel your current supports are no longer meeting your needs.

Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

Your CHSP provider is responsible for monitoring your services and reviewing them regularly.

If your needs grow beyond entry-level support, your provider will refer you to My Aged Care for a new assessment to determine eligibility for Support at Home. You can also request a reassessment directly through My Aged Care 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.

Support at Home

Your provider will conduct reviews at least once a year, or sooner if something changes — such as a health event, a hospital admission, or a new diagnosis.

The Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) introduced under Support at Home makes reassessments more consistent by evaluating your physical, social, and cognitive needs in one place.

Tip: Don’t wait if something changes. You can always request an early review. Your provider can help you contact My Aged Care for a formal reassessment if needed.

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 your classification and goals

During a reassessment, your provider will not only review your services but also check whether your current classification level still fits your needs.

• If your needs remain stable, your plan will simply be refreshed.
• If your needs have increased, your provider can support a referral to My Aged Care for a formal reassessment, which may result in moving to a higher Support at Home classification (or from CHSP to Support at Home).

This ensures you always receive the right level of funding and support for your situation.

How FOCUS Connect manages reassessments

SAH

We offer both phone and face-to-face reviews, depending on your classification level and preferences. In-person visits are ideal for more complex care or where health or mobility has changed.

CHSP

We conduct regular service reviews and can assist with referrals to My Aged Care if your needs grow beyond entry-level support.

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 could use a refresh, contact FOCUS Connect.

Our team will review your current services, guide you through any changes, and coordinate with My Aged Care if a formal reassessment is required. Together, we’ll make sure your care plan evolves with your life and continues to support your independence and wellbeing.

Call 02 4627 1188 or visit our website to book a review today.