Why MACIA
MACIA helps you understand opaque IAT questions so your answers reflect real day-to-day needs.
Macia
Prepare for your aged care assessment
MACIA helps you understand every question in the IAT, know what each answer means, and make sure your assessment reflects your real needs.
Why preparation matters
Prepare clearly, be assessed fairly
The IAT is an algorithm-driven assessment. Your answers are fed into a scoring system that determines the level of support you receive. Many Australians undersell their difficulties out of stoicism or politeness, resulting in lower support than they actually need.
Algorithm-Driven
The IAT uses a triage algorithm to classify needs. Certain answers trigger higher support levels; others close doors.
The Stoicism Problem
People often say "I manage fine" when they actually struggle daily. Honest answers aren't complaining — they're essential.
Better Outcomes
Understanding what each question is really asking lets you answer truthfully and thoroughly, leading to fair support levels.
How MACIA helps
Practical support before assessment day
Understand Each Question
Know exactly what each IAT question is asking and why it matters for your assessment outcome.
Get Helpful Guidance
Receive clear, practical tips on how to answer honestly while ensuring your true needs are captured.
Know Your Rights
Understand your rights under the Aged Care Act and what to do if your assessment doesn't seem right.
Why MACIA
Understand the process with confidence
How It Works
Triage, comprehensive assessment, then support planning. MACIA helps you prepare for each stage.
Trust Note
MACIA is independent and informational, designed to help you communicate needs clearly.
Who Is MACIA For?
Built for people navigating aged care from different roles
MACIA gives each role the practical guidance they need to prepare clearly, ask better questions, and avoid being underscored in assessment.
Older Adult
Understand what each IAT question means, and explain your day-to-day challenges in plain language.
Family or Carer
Capture what you observe at home so critical needs are not missed during the assessment.
Advocate
Prepare stronger evidence and prompts so the person is represented accurately and fairly.
Support Worker
Use section-by-section guidance to coordinate preparation and keep goals clear before the visit.
Assessment map
The 10 Assessment Sections
The IAT is divided into 10 sections covering every aspect of your daily life, health, and care needs. Browse each section to understand what to expect.
1
Initial Screening
36 questionsValidates the appropriateness of an assessment referral and collects information to assist with the assessment process.
Explore section
2
Assessment Setup
10 questionsRecords the logistics of the assessment — who is present, how it is conducted, and what information sources are used.
Explore section
3
Carer & Support
22 questionsCaptures information about the household, primary carer, respite and emergency arrangements, and whether the person being assessed is also a carer.
Explore section
4
Health & Meds
15 questionsRecords health conditions, diagnoses, treatments, and medications to understand the medical context affecting daily functioning.
Explore section
5
Daily Activities
88 questionsAssesses ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs) — this is the core section that most heavily influences the algorithm's classification outcome.
Explore section
6
Physical Health
46 questionsAssesses physical mobility (DEMMI), sensory concerns, personal health habits, and frailty indicators including falls risk.
Explore section
7
Social & Cognitive
35 questionsAssesses social support, cognitive function (memory, judgement), and behavioural concerns using validated screening tools.
Explore section
8
Mental Wellbeing
29 questionsScreens for anxiety and depression using the PHQ-4, with advanced assessment and GDS-15 triggered if thresholds are met.
Explore section
9
Home & Safety
30 questionsCovers home environment safety, financial/legal arrangements, and support considerations including elder abuse screening.
Explore section
10
Plan & Outcome
22 questionsCaptures assessment outcomes, translates identified needs into goals and service recommendations, and records the IAT classification.
Explore section
Ready to prepare for your assessment?
Create a free account to track your answers, see how they affect your support level, and generate a preparation summary.