What is the SAS assessment for aged care?

Following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, major reforms were implemented in Australia to streamline the assessment process. A cornerstone of this initiative is the Single Assessment System, the official answer to the question: What is the SAS assessment for aged care?

Quick Summary

The Single Assessment System (SAS) is a unified and streamlined assessment process in Australia designed to simplify how older people access government-funded aged care services. It replaces the older, fragmented system of Regional Assessment Service (RAS) and Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACAT), allowing individuals to navigate their care journey more consistently.

Key Points

• Streamlined Process: The SAS, or Single Assessment System, is a unified pathway for accessing Australian government-funded aged care services, replacing multiple previous assessments.

• Tells Your Story Once: A key benefit is that you only need to go through one assessment process, reducing the stress and repetition of explaining your needs multiple times.

• Unified Workforce: The SAS combines different assessment teams into a single workforce, ensuring consistency and continuity of care as your needs change.

• Holistic and Person-Centred: The assessment uses an Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT) to gather comprehensive information and create a tailored care plan based on your unique needs and goals.

• Improved Access: The system is designed to improve accessibility, reduce wait times, and provide equitable access to assessments for older people in regional, rural, and remote areas.

Understanding the Single Assessment System (SAS)

Australia has reformed its government-funded aged care services to be more straightforward and person-centric through the Single Assessment System (SAS). Introduced following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the SAS addresses the previous system's complexities. Its core aim is for individuals to only have to 'tell their story once'.

The SAS provides a single pathway, a change from the old system requiring different assessments for various needs. This unified approach ensures consistency as care needs change, aiming to reduce wait times and administrative burden while providing personalised care based on a comprehensive evaluation.

Key components of the SAS

The SAS is a comprehensive framework with three main parts to improve the assessment process for older Australians:

• Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT): Introduced on 1 July 2024, this new primary tool assesses eligibility for government-funded services. It collects holistic information to tailor recommendations.
• Single Assessment System workforce: Launched on 9 December 2024, this unified team combines previous assessment groups (RAS, ACAT, and AN-ACC) to provide continuous care as needs change.
• First Nations assessment organisations: As of 1 July 2025, culturally safe pathways are being implemented for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, providing assessments sensitive to their unique needs.

How the SAS process works

The SAS process is designed for simplicity:

1. Initial Contact: Begin by contacting My Aged Care, the government gateway, online or by phone.
2. Screening: Answer questions to determine the appropriate assessment pathway.
3. Comprehensive Assessment: A trained assessor conducts a face-to-face assessment at your home or another location, discussing your health, daily life, and care needs.
4. Care Plan Development: A personalised care plan is created based on the assessment, outlining eligible services like home support or residential care.
5. Service Referral: The assessor refers you to local service providers to access care.

SAS vs. Previous assessment systems

The SAS offers advantages over the old RAS/ACAT model. A key difference is the single, unified assessment pathway compared to the previous fragmented system for different care levels. The SAS also uses a single workforce, replacing multiple organisations and reducing the need to repeat your story. This approach aims to reduce wait times and improve continuity of care.

Benefits of the SAS for older Australians

The SAS provides several benefits:

• Simplicity: The unified process is easier to navigate, reducing stress.
• Continuity of Care: A single pathway and workforce ensure smoother transitions as needs change.
• Person-Centred: Assessments are holistic and individualised, leading to tailored care plans.
• Improved Access: Reforms aim to enhance access in regional and remote areas.
• Efficiency: Streamlined processes can shorten wait times for services.

Preparing for a SAS assessment

To prepare for an assessment:

1. Gather documents like your Medicare card and medical history.
2. Consider your daily needs and how they affect your independence.
3. Have a family member or carer present for support.
4. Prepare questions for the assessor.
5. Clearly state your goals for aged care support.

The future of aged care under SAS

The SAS is part of broader aged care reforms, including a new Aged Care Act planned for 2025, moving towards a rights-based, person-centred system. The system will continue to develop, with initiatives like the First Nations assessment organisations improving culturally safe care. The goal is a more equitable, accessible, and high-quality aged care sector. For official information, visit the My Aged Care website(https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/assessment).

Conclusion

The Single Assessment System (SAS) represents a significant improvement in Australian aged care. By replacing a complex system with a streamlined pathway, it offers a more efficient and dignified experience. The SAS prioritises continuity of care, reduces wait times, and focuses on individual needs, resulting in better-tailored support and an enhanced quality of life for those using government-funded services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SAS stand for in aged care?

SAS stands for the Single Assessment System, a reformed assessment process in Australia for accessing government-funded aged care services.

How does the SAS assessment differ from the old ACAT and RAS assessments?

The SAS replaces the separate ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) and RAS (Regional Assessment Service) assessments with a single, unified pathway. This means individuals don't need to switch assessment providers if their needs change.

Who is eligible for a SAS assessment?

A SAS assessment is available for older people who need to access Australian government-funded aged care services. This includes people aged 65 and over, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over.

How do I start the SAS assessment process?

You can start the process by contacting My Aged Care, either online through their website or by calling their free phone number.

What information should I have ready for my SAS assessment?

It is helpful to have your Medicare card, a list of any medical conditions and medications, and a clear understanding of your daily routines and support needs.

Will a family member or carer be able to attend the SAS assessment with me?

Yes, it is highly recommended to have a family member, friend, or carer attend the assessment with you to provide support and help answer questions.

What happens after my SAS assessment is completed?

Following the assessment, you will receive a personalised care plan outlining your eligibility and recommended services. The assessor can then help you find service providers in your local area.

Does the SAS assessment cover residential aged care funding?

Yes, as part of the unified system, the SAS assessment process determines eligibility for both home care packages and entry into residential aged care.