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 the access of 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 41.8% (95% CI 41.7%‐41.9%). The incidence of accessing transition care at 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 is necessary for the identification of service access barriers to support evidence‐based policy changes.