Background: Accurate functional ability assessment is fundamental to effective aged care planning and service allocation. These assessments rely heavily on information disclosed by older adults and their families. When disclosure is partial, the completeness and reliability of assessment data may be compromised, with potential consequences for care decisions.

Methods: This qualitative study drew on semi structured interviews with 20 aged care assessors and managers. Participants were recruited from services responsible for conducting or overseeing functional ability assessments. Interviews explored experiences of gathering information during assessment, barriers to engagement, and strategies used to manage incomplete information. 

Results: Participants reported frequent reluctance to disclose sensitive issues such as cognitive decline and mental health. Older adults often concealed functional difficulties to preserve dignity or maintain a sense of independence. Family members sometimes downplayed needs due to limited day to day involvement or financial concerns. Disclosure was further complicated by cognitive impairment and communication difficulties. In response, assessors relied on flexible practices, including observation, triangulation of multiple information sources and repeated assessment over time.

Conclusion: Disclosure barriers significantly shape data quality in aged care assessment. Improving assessment accuracy requires management of disclosure for accurate and person centred assessment practices.

Weiwei Fang is a PhD candidate and Teaching Fellow at Griffith University. Her research focuses on functional ability assessment in aged care, with particular attention to how assessment and planning can better support healthy ageing, continuity of care, and person centred practice across community and home-based care settings. Weiwei is actively involved in teaching and course development in public health and health sciences, contributing to areas such as Health Research Methods, Health Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation, and Social Determinants of Health. She has extensive experience across both clinical and academic contexts within the aged care sector and is passionate about promoting person‑centred aged care services, improving functional outcomes for older adults, and supporting policies and practices that enhance healthy ageing and quality of life.