Factors associated with accessing aged care services in Australia after approval for services: Findings from the historical cohort of the Registry of Senior Australians

Objective: To evaluate access to approved aged care services and factors associated with accessing these services. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted (1/7/2003-30/6/2013). The incidence of accessing permanent residential, home and respite care services within one year, or transition care within 28 days of approval, was evaluated. The association of participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, limitations, health conditions and assessment characteristics with service use was evaluated. Results: In 799 750 older Australians, the incidence of accessing approved permanent residential care within one year was 70.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 70.8%-71.0%), home care 49.5% (95% CI 49.3%-49.7%) and respite care 41.8% (95% CI 41.7%-41.9%). The incidence of accessing transition care within 28 days was 78.5% (95% CI 78.2%-78.7%). Aged care seekers’, assessments’ and assessors’ characteristics are associated with service access. Conclusion: Monitoring the use of aged care service approvals to identify service access barriers can support ongoing evidence-based policy changes.