Algorithm determining care to older Australians blamed for reducing care

A new algorithm for determining how much aged care support people can receive to remain living at home is being blamed for reducing care for older Australians. Advocates, assessors and providers say the algorithm – which was introduced as part of the government's once-in-a-generation reforms – can't be overridden by the clinicians who do the assessment – leading them to liken it to the Robodebt scandal. Since its introduction on November 1,800 elderly Australians have applied to the dept of health for reviews -- compared with less than 200 for the financial year 2024-25.