People are waiting 24% longer to receive an ACAT (Aged Care Assessment Team) assessment from the time of referral this financial year, according to the latest data from the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Median wait times for an ACAT assessment increased from 17 days in the 2022-23 financial year, to 21 days in the first six months of 2023-24.
Since 30 June 2023, wait times for Home Care Packages have also increased for Levels 2, 3 and 4 packages. However, wait times have fallen for Level 1 packages.
Wait times for Level 3 packages have blown out to up to 12 months.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Aged Care told The SOURCE that workforce shortages are contributing to the longer wait times "in some regions" and suppliers are engaging extra staff, locum staff banks to target regions with backlogs, sub-contractors, and flexible arrangements for overtime to address the issue.
Single assessment system due for 1 July rollout
A single assessment system - which the government has developed to simplify and improve the process of aged care assessments - is due to commence from 1 July 2024.
"The single assessment reform and recontracting of assessment organisation is an opportunity to improve delivery of aged care assessments, including wait times," the spokesperson said.
