The objective of this research was to characterise the socio‐demographic characteristics, aged and health care needs, and aged care services used by older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people assessed for aged care service eligibility. The research reveals that despite their high care needs, only half the eligible applicants accessed approved aged care services.

Aged care services face specific challenges in providing accessible, culturally safe, high quality care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Of 6209 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people assessed for eligibility during 2017–2019, aged care was approved for 6114 (98.5%), of whom 3218 (52%) used these services. At least seven health conditions were recorded for 42% of assessed people, and almost all required assistance with at least one functional daily activity.