Every Australian should be able to age with dignity, respect, and independence. However, many older adults and their families find the aged care system confusing and overwhelming. What rights do you or your loved ones have? How can you protect these rights?
The Charter of Aged Care Rights is a key document that answers these questions. It was created under the Aged Care Act 1997 and serves as an important safeguard for vulnerable older Australians. It also provides a clear guide for receiving quality care.
Whether you are thinking about residential care, getting home care packages, or using flexible care services, it’s important to understand your rights under this Charter. This knowledge helps you make informed choices and ensures you get the high-quality, person-centred care you deserve.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what the Charter of Aged Care Rights means for you, how it works in practice, and why it matters for every older Australian and their families. Let’s dive into your fundamental rights and learn how they’re safeguarded in Australia’s aged care system.
What is the Charter of Aged Care Rights?
The Charter of Aged Care Rights is a crucial document in Australia’s aged care system, designed to protect and empower older Australians receiving care. It outlines the fundamental rights that individuals are entitled to when they access aged care services, ensuring that they can live with dignity, respect, and autonomy. Established as part of the Aged Care Quality Standards, the Charter serves as a framework for both care recipients and providers, promoting high-quality, individualised care.
Aged care providers that receive funding from the Australian Government need to make sure they respect the rights of elder people by providing quality care. The aged care regulator, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC), monitors and accredits providers.
The Charter is applicable to individuals receiving Australian government-funded aged care. This includes:
- Residential care
- Home care packages
- Flexible care
- Services are provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program.
Quality care begins with respect and choice. Get in touch today to see how we deliver aged care services that are aligned with the principles of the Charter of Aged Care Rights.
The Charter
The Aged Care Charter clearly defines the essential rights afforded to individuals in aged care. These rights include the following:
- safe and high-quality care and services
- be treated with dignity and respect
- have my identity, culture and diversity valued and supported
- live without abuse and neglect
- be informed about my care and services in a way I understand
- access all information about myself, including information about my rights, care and services
- have control over and make choices about my care and personal and social life, including where the choices involve personal risk
- have control over and make decisions about the personal aspects of my daily life, financial affairs and possessions
- my independence
- be listened to and understood
- have a person of my choice, including an aged care advocate, support me or speak on my behalf
- complain free from reprisal and have my complaints dealt with fairly and promptly
- personal privacy and to have my personal information protected
- exercise my rights without adversely affecting the way I am treated
Aged Care Consumer’s Responsibilities
- Treat others with respect
- Respect the rights of staff to work in a safe environment
- Assist your provider by giving relevant information
- Pay agreed fees on time
Consumers of Australian government-funded aged care can choose to sign the Charter of Aged Care Rights. Even if they don’t sign, they can still get care and services.
If someone decides to go ahead and sign the Charter, it means they understand that their provider has given them a copy and helped explain:
- Their rights as a consumer regarding the aged care service
- Their rights under the Charter itself
Aged Care Provider’s Responsibilities
- comply with the Aged Care Quality Standards
- help people using aged care understand their rights about the services they receive
- help people using aged care understand their rights under the Charter
- make sure people using aged care or their representatives are given a reasonable opportunity to sign the Charter
- sign and give the person receiving care a copy of the charter (representatives can also receive a copy)
- keep a record of the Charter given to the person receiving care.
They should hand out a copy of the Charter that includes:
- The signature of a staff member
- The date they gave the consumer the Charter
- The date they offered the consumer (or their authorised person) a chance to sign it
- The consumer’s (or authorised person’s) signature, if they decide to sign
- The full name of the consumer (and the authorised person, if there’s one)
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) provides further information and resources related to the Charter of Aged Care Rights.
Ready for aged care that values your rights and independence? Reach out to us now to discover how our team prioritises dignity and person-centered care tailored just for you.
What are Aged Care Quality Standards?
The Aged Care Quality Standards are a set of guidelines established in Australia to ensure that aged care services provide safe, respectful, and high-quality care to older Australians. These standards were implemented as part of the aged care reforms in 2018 and are designed to enhance the quality of care and support in residential aged care facilities, home care services, and flexible care settings.
The Aged Care Quality Standards consist of eight standards, each focusing on different aspects of care and service delivery:
| Standard 1 | Consumer dignity and choice |
| Standard 2 | Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers |
| Standard 3 | Personal care and clinical care |
| Standard 4 | Services and support for daily living |
| Standard 5 | Service environment |
| Standard 6 | Feedback and complaints |
| Standard 7 | Human resources |
| Standard 8 | Organisational governance |
Conclusion
The Charter of Aged Care Rights represents more than just a document—it’s Australia’s commitment to protecting and empowering our elderly community. Understanding these rights is the first step toward ensuring quality care for yourself or your loved ones. While navigating the aged care system may seem complex, you don’t have to do it alone.
Are you ready to discover aged care options with a provider that puts your rights first? The experienced team at Wise Choice is here to support you throughout the entire process. We recognise how vital dignity, respect, and choice are in aged care. Reach out to us for more details.
