Understanding the Aged Care Entry Record

The Aged Care Entry Record (ACER) can often appear difficult to understand, but it’s something that’s actually quite simple when broken down.

This article will explore the various considerations for the ACER in residential aged care facilities, and exactly what it is. Having a complete understanding will prove useful for Australian Aged Care providers.

What is the ACER?

New arrangements for means testing in residential care took effect on July 1 of this year, requiring providers to assess the various adjustments. ACER is a new form that providers need to lodge when consumers enter residential care, and brings several changes to operations.

The primary function is to notify Medicare that a new resident is entering into the care of a residential aged care facility.

What’s the process?

New residents entering care need to have an ACER filled out within 28 days of entering the facility. While it may sound an ongoing difficulty, it only needs to be updated if the care circumstances change. Any change of payment choice does not affect the ACER form, and as such it won’t need to be resubmitted.

The forms are easy to obtain, and can simply be downloaded from humanservices.gov.au or medicareaustralia.gov.au.

What are the other considerations?

Residents entering facility care also need to fill out a Combined Assets and Income Assessment form, which has another set of requirements. This can be filled out and submitted prior to actually entering care, and accompanies the ACER.

If the form hasn’t yet been lodged when an ACER is submitted, the resident is contact directly to obtain the form.

Many of the industry functions appear difficult at first glance, but are easy to understand when broken down. Understanding what they accomplish is key for efficient facility operations.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities for success in the aged care industry today? Please contact us and let us know!