The care needs assessment helps us to see if you need long-term nursing home care.
When we receive your completed Fair Deal application form we will arrange for a care needs assessment. This assessment could be in a hospital or in your home.
What happens during the care needs assessment
A healthcare professional will do your assessment. This could be a geriatrician, public health nurse (PHN) or occupational therapist.
They will look at:
- your ability to do everyday activities like bathing, shopping, dressing and moving around
- your mental abilities - for example your levels of attention, memory, learning and language
- any health and personal services you receive, such as a home care assistant or nurse
- the family and community support available to you
- your own wishes and preferences
The assessment may include a physical examination by a healthcare professional.
The person doing the assessment writes a report. We will use this report to decide if long-term nursing home care is the best option for you.
You may be asked for more information to complete the care needs assessment, such as a referral from your GP. It is important you provide this as soon as possible to complete your application.
We will write to you when a decision has been made on your care needs. You will also receive a copy of the report and the reasons for the decision.
If you do not qualify for long-term nursing home care
If you do not qualify for long-term nursing home care, you must wait 6 months before you can apply again.
If there is a change in your health or circumstances you can apply before the 6-month waiting period ends.
Contact us
We know the application process can be complicated.
If you need support or have a question that’s not answered here, contact us at: