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Waiting times for A ged C are P ackages: The need to know
Author(s) -
Griffiths Maria,
Russell Robyn,
Brunker Gillian,
Boccalatte Margaret,
Goldstraw Paul
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/j.1741-6612.2012.00641.x
Subject(s) - food science , chemistry
Aim To establish local waiting times for access to A ged C are P ackages ( ACPs ). ACPs are federally funded and designed to support older people to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Access to an ACP is via the A ged C are A ssessment S ervices ( ACAS ) process. Initial investigations suggested that significant waiting times existed locally. Methods Analysis of ACAS data was undertaken retrospectively and prospectively to identify type of ACP and date of approval. Date of provision was obtained from ACP providers. Results Two hundred and eighty‐five ACPs were approved, but only 35 were provided. At up to 12 months after approval, 88% of the cohort were still waiting to receive an appropriate package. Conclusion Long waiting times exist, which has implications both for the individual and the care/health sectors. It is suggested that monitoring waiting times should be a requirement for the future.