Advocacy

November 19, 2025

Advocacy: Meaning and How This Is Used in Aged Care

Advocacy is about speaking up for oneself or for another person, group, or cause. It is a fundamental mechanism that supports fairness, access, and respect for rights.

In the context of services, especially sensitive areas like aged care, advocacy plays a particularly important role. It acts as a safety net, making certain that vulnerable people receive appropriate care and that their preferences are respected.

Defining Advocacy in the Context of Care

Advocacy involves several key actions, all centered on protecting a person’s wellbeing and self-determination. An advocate works to present the views, wishes, and interests of the person receiving care.

This may involve interacting with care providers, government agencies, or even family members to achieve a positive outcome for the care recipient.

When a person is older or has health conditions that limit their ability to communicate effectively or understand complex information, an advocate steps in. They do not make decisions for the person; rather, they support the person in making their own decisions, or they speak on the person’s behalf if they are unable to do so themselves. The core goal is to promote independence and dignity.

The Importance of Advocacy in Aged Care

The aged care system can be difficult to understand. There are rules regarding funding, different types of services (home care vs. residential care), and specific standards of service delivery that providers must meet. Without someone familiar with these complexities, a care recipient may miss out on deserved support or accept substandard care.

Standing Up for Quality and Rights

Advocacy helps maintain accountability within care organizations. When issues arise—such as dissatisfaction with a service, concerns about safety, or disputes over fees—an advocate offers a structured way to address these problems.

They can assist in:

Preparing complaints
Attending meetings
Mediating discussions to find solutions

This support is especially significant as it addresses power imbalances often present between a care recipient and a large service provider.

Supporting Informed Choices

A good advocate makes certain that the care recipient understands their options fully. They:

Explain complicated documents
Review service agreements
Clarify potential consequences of various decisions

This process is focused on giving the older person true control over their life and care plan, aligning services with their personal values and needs.

Types of Advocacy

Advocacy can be informal or formal.

Informal advocacy is often carried out by family members or friends who know the person well and act in their interest.
Formal advocacy involves professional services, usually provided by independent organizations specializing in rights and aged care.

Individual Advocacy

This is the most common form in aged care. An individual advocate focuses solely on one person and their specific needs and situation. They might assist someone in:

Moving into a residential facility
Reviewing their care plan
Resolving a specific grievance with their provider

Systemic Advocacy

This type of advocacy works to bring about broader change to policies, laws, or the aged care system itself. It aims to improve outcomes for all older people by addressing underlying issues rather than just individual problems. This might involve campaigning for higher staffing ratios or better quality standards across the sector.

Accessing Advocacy Services

In many countries, government-funded, independent advocacy services are available specifically for people using aged care. These services are typically free and confidential.

They operate independently of care providers and the government, meaning their advice is unbiased and centered entirely on the care recipient’s welfare.

Finding an independent advocate involves searching for organizations listed under aged care rights or consumer support groups in your region. These groups stand ready to support individuals facing challenges within the care system.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an advocate and a guardian?
An advocate speaks for or supports the person to speak for themselves, maintaining the person's right to make their own choices. A guardian or power of attorney has the legal authority to make decisions on behalf of a person who is assessed as incapable of making those decisions themselves.
Can I hire an advocate if I am still living at home?
Yes. Advocacy services cover all aspects of aged care, including home care packages and various community support programs. You do not need to be in a residential facility to obtain help.
Is the care provider required to listen to my advocate?
Yes. Care providers are expected to interact respectfully and professionally with a person's appointed advocate. The advocate acts as the voice of the person receiving care, and the provider must address the concerns and information presented.

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System Governor

The System Governor plays a vital role in Australia’s aged care system, overseeing service quality, continuity, and fair access for older Australians. This post explains its responsibilities, including policy development, provider accountability, and initiatives like Star Ratings, ensuring that aged care services are reliable, safe, and equitable.

Substitute decision-making

Substitute decision-making is used when an older person can no longer make important decisions on their own. A substitute decision-maker steps in to make choices about medical treatment, personal care, and living arrangements. Their role is to follow the person’s known wishes or act in their best interests when those wishes are not clear. Families can plan ahead by legally appointing someone they trust, and any valid Advance Care Directive must be followed. Understanding how substitute decision-making works helps ensure the person’s rights, preferences, and wellbeing remain at the centre of care.

Supported decision-making

Supported decision making is a rights-based approach that helps you stay in control of your life as you receive aged care services. Instead of others making choices for you, this approach focuses on giving you the information, tools, and support you need to make your own decisions. This support can come from family members, friends, or independent advocates who help you understand options and express your preferences.

Statement of Rights

The Aged Care Statement of Rights outlines the protections every older person can expect when receiving funded aged care services in Australia. It affirms core rights such as independence, choice, equitable access, quality and safe care, privacy, and clear communication. The Statement also ensures that individuals can speak up, provide feedback, or make complaints without fear of unfair treatment. For providers, it establishes clear responsibilities to act in line with these rights and demonstrate genuine understanding in daily practice. This framework places the dignity, identity, and preferences of the older person at the centre of all care decisions.

Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for your needs, preferences, and rights when receiving aged care. It helps maintain autonomy, ensure quality services, and improve communication with care providers. By asking questions, expressing preferences, raising concerns, and keeping simple records, individuals can take an active role in directing their care. When extra support is needed, family, friends, or independent advocates can help ensure the person’s voice remains central to all decisions.

Sanction or Sanctions in place

Sanctions in Australian Aged Care are serious regulatory actions taken when a provider fails to meet required quality and safety standards. This article explains what sanctions are, why they are imposed, and the steps that lead to them, including Notices to Remedy and decisions by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. It outlines common sanction conditions, their impact on providers, and what they mean for residents. The summary also answers key questions about sanction duration, consequences for ongoing non-compliance, how to find sanctioned facilities, and resident rights. The goal is to help readers clearly understand how sanctions protect the safety and wellbeing of older Australians.