Everyone has the right to make decisions in their own life, including about their aged care services.
To give you more choice and control over how your care is delivered, the new Aged Care Act has a Statement of Rights.
The Aged Care Act is the main law that sets out how the aged care system works.
It now puts the rights of older people first.
The Statement of Rights means your aged care provider
must understand and follow it in order to:
- support you to make your own choices about when, how, and what care you receive,
- give you information about your services in a way that is easy to understand
- and support you to make your own decisions, even if they involve some risk.
The Statement of Rights says the people providing your care are to treat you with dignity and respect, and provide services in a way that respects your identity, culture, and spirituality.
If you need support to make aged care decisions, there is help available.
You can choose someone to be your registered supporter through My Aged Care.
The registered supporter role is about helping you to make and communicate your own aged care decisions and remain in control of your life.
A registered supporter can't make your decisions on your behalf, but they can help you to make those decisions for yourself.
The Elder Care Supporter Program helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 or older, their families, and carers to make important choices about aged care.
This can include help with assessments for your aged care needs, accessing services, working with providers to help meet your needs and assisting with disability support.
Another way you can get support is through the Older Persons Advocacy Network.
Their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advocates provide free, independent, and confidential help to get you the aged care you need.
They can help you understand your rights, find aged care services that are right for you, and try to solve any problems you're having with your aged care.
If you need legal help, you can get support through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (ATSILS).
They are Aboriginal community-controlled organisations that offer free, culturally appropriate legal assistance and advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Check your ATSILS provider in your state or territory for more information.
Remember that you have the right to be treated with dignity and have your culture respected throughout your aged care journey.