While permanent care in a residential care facility remains a key service for many older Australians, in recent years greater emphasis has been placed on the provision of home-based support. This report examines how this shift has affected the way that people use aged care programs, and investigates the initial take-up of care. The analysis shows that use of aged care programs before entering permanent residential care is increasing, as is the use of any aged care services in a person’s last year of life.