The Standardised Care Need Assessment: how to apply for subsidised care
Facts checked 18 Oct 2026. Written by our editors from the official sources below; not yet reviewed by a social worker or nurse. Not medical, legal or financial advice.
The Standardised Care Need Assessment Mechanism for Elderly Services assesses the care needs of people applying for subsidised long term care and matches them to services: community care (day care centres, home care) or residential care (care-and-attention homes, nursing homes). There are five assessment management offices.
Eligibility
Subsidised homes generally admit people aged 65 or over; people aged 60 to 64 may apply if they have a proven need.
Where to apply
The Central Waiting List accepts referrals only. The person or their family can contact:
- a District Elderly Community Centre or Neighbourhood Elderly Centre
- a hospital's Medical Social Services Unit
- an Integrated Family Service Centre or Integrated Services Centre
Steps
- Raise a request with a social worker at one of these units
- Initial screening and referral for assessment
- An assessor visits at home for a face-to-face interview
- The social worker explains the result and the service matched
- The social worker draws up a care plan and helps apply for the service
People assessed as needing residential care then wait on the Central Waiting List.