The new Aged Care Act includes a Statement of Rights, which outlines the rights of older people when accessing aged care services. These rights are designed to put older people and their needs are at the centre of the aged care system.
The Statement of Rights includes the right for every individual to:
- maintain independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice
- have equitable access
- receive quality and safe funded aged care services
- have their privacy and personal information protected
- experience person-centred communication and raise issues without the fear of reprisal
- access advocates, maintain significant persons and stay socially connected.
Providers must ensure their actions are consistent with the Statement of Rights. This will include ensuring that their aged care services are delivered by aged care workers who have appropriate qualifications, skills and experience.
To view the full-length description of the Statement of Rights as presented in the Aged Care Bill 2024 visit Part 3 – Aged care rights and principles.
