Is bigger better when it comes to defining target populations for aged care programs?

Objectives: 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. Discussion: 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.