Is bigger better when it comes to defining target populations for aged care programs?
OBJECTIVE
To compare the Home and Community Care Program (HACC) target population defined on the basis of the ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers (SDAC) with 2006 census data on need for assistance.


METHODS
The number of people with different levels of core activity limitation as defined in the SDAC was estimated for the 2006 population aged 65 and older and compared with the number reporting a need for assistance in the 2006 census.


RESULTS
The two target populations differ in size, age and disability levels, but the differences are reconciled when components within the total SDAC-defined target population are taken into account.


CONCLUSIONS
Assessment of different definitions of target populations in terms of validity in identifying program beneficiaries, accuracy in measurement and usefulness in monitoring program performance leads to the conclusion that the bigger SDAC-defined population is better aligned with the goals of the HACC program.
Howe
Anna L
AL
anna.howe@bigpond.com
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D003191:Comprehensive Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity