The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has welcomed the findings of the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s report into the aged care assessment system, saying it reinforces the need for greater human override and should inform the independent review announced by the government.
OPAN Director Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy Samantha Edmonds said the report validates concerns that older people, families and advocates have raised consistently with us about the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT).
“OPAN has continued to hear about situations where assessment outcomes did not align with an older person’s actual needs, resulting in delayed access to the right level of care and support.
“The Ombudsman’s findings highlight the risks when decisions that have a significant impact on an older person’s health, independence and wellbeing cannot be immediately reviewed by an experienced assessor.
Ms Edmonds said OPAN welcomed the Ombudsman’s recommendations, including measures to strengthen human override of assessment decisions, and looked forward to contributing to the independent review of the IAT announced this month.
“OPAN has consistently called for a human override mechanism in assessment decisions and welcomed recent reforms establishing an escalation pathway for exceptional circumstances.”
Read the full media release.