Opposition concerns over ACAT reassessments

The opposition has expressed concern about the effectiveness and consistency of Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs).

Between 20 March and 17 December last year, 3,880 of the 46,975 people admitted to residential aged care were reassessed by an ACAT team following admission to residential aged care.

Almost 2,500 – or 5% of total admissions – went from a low care ACAT assessment to a high care assessment.

In the same period, 32 residents went from a high care ACAT assessment to a low care assessment.

The remaining 1,346 residents who were reassessed had no change in their ACAT statement.

The opposition’s ageing spokesperson, Margaret May, admitted that the needs of some residents had probably increased but said the sheer number of changes was concerning.

“It’s very hard to tell what the reason behind all the reassessments is but it is certain that there is something that is not adding up,” she said.

“It seems that there would have to be something wrong with the system to have so many reassessments done.”

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Ageing said: “Ensuring that older Australians can access the services they need is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and planning and the Department of Health and Ageing welcomes ideas on ways to improve how aged care services are delivered.”