The new Aged Care Act will include a Statement of Rights, outlining the rights that older people will have when accessing aged care services. The rights will help to ensure that older people and their needs are at the centre of the new aged care system.
The Statement of Rights include the right for every individual to have:
- independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice
- equitable access
- quality and safe funded aged care services
- respect for privacy and information
- person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal
- advocates, significant persons and social connections.
Providers will have to ensure that 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 Act 2024 visit Part 3 – Aged care rights and principles.
Resources
A new Aged Care Act for the rights of older people – This plain language fact sheet provides a summary of what rights older people have when accessing aged care services.
A new Aged Care Act for the rights of older people – Easy Read fact sheet – This Easy Read fact sheet provides a summary of what rights older people have when accessing aged care services.
