THE Federal Budget delivered last night leaves many challenges within the aged care system, which risks older people being worse off, says the Older Persons Advocacy Network.

While OPAN acknowledges the substantial $3.7 billion investment, including 5000 new residential aged care places a year over the next four years, streamlined financial hardship applications, and the removal of out-of-pocket expenses for showering, dressing and continence management at home, it falls critically short where older people need it most: getting assessed and support at home.

OPAN remains concerned the following urgent aged care issues remain unresolved.

Data published by the Productivity Commission earlier this year revealed the median time it took to receive an aged care assessment increased from 22 days to 27 days, and the time to commence services following a successful assessment was 245 days, up from 118 days.

While the budget commits $389.8 million to support at home refinements, it is unclear what portion is being attributed to new allocated places, OPAN says.

The Integrated Assessment Tool algorithm, which determines an older person’s eligibility and priority for government-funded aged care services, continues to put older people at risk.

OPAN is disappointed the call for clinical oversight has not been addressed and assessors remain unable to override decisions.

OPAN said the $224.3 million investment in dementia care – expanding specialist units and the Hospital to Aged Care Dementia Support Program – is welcomed, although more needs to be done to support people living with dementia to remain in the community.

OPAN director policy, education and systemic advocacy, Samantha Edmonds, said the Budget is a missed opportunity to pursue meaningful reform.

“This is disappointing news for the sector and older people, especially since we have an ageing population, with more people projected to need government funded assistance going forward,” Ms Edmonds said.

“While removing out-of-pocket costs for some personal care services is a welcome move and will improve livelihoods, it’s one of many issues being continually raised by older people and advocates that requires urgent action.

“We cannot risk having older people be denied vital support or be forced to wait more than eight months for funding, because of red tape or a computer algorithm assessing their care needs incorrectly.

“Older people deserve to be valued and treated with dignity and respect, and unfortunately this Budget still leaves much uncertainty.

“We will continue to work alongside Government to advocate for change and champion the rights and wellbeing of older people,” she said.