Self-advocacy, in the context of Aged Care, is the ability and action of speaking up for yourself, your wishes, and your rights. It means taking an active role in decisions about your care and services. For people receiving aged care, whether at home or in a residential facility, self-advocacy is a fundamental tool for maintaining control and receiving dignified, high-quality support.
When a person practices self-advocacy, they become the central decision-maker regarding their care. This means communicating clearly with care providers, doctors, and family members about personal needs, preferences, and concerns.
Why Self-Advocacy Matters in Aged Care
Aged care services are designed to support a person's wellbeing, but sometimes miscommunication or oversights can occur. Having the ability to speak up is very important because it directly impacts the quality of life and the appropriateness of the care received.
Maintaining Control and Autonomy
A significant part of self-advocacy is maintaining autonomy, or the right to self-government. Even when needing support, individuals should remain in control of their day-to-day lives and major life choices. Speaking up ensures that services respect personal routines, cultural needs, and lifestyle choices. This might mean deciding when you wake up, what you eat, or how you spend your time.
Ensuring Quality Services
The Australian Charter of Aged Care Rights gives every person receiving aged care the right to safe and high-quality services. If the service provided is below standard or if a person feels they are not being treated with respect, self-advocacy provides the mechanism to address these issues. By identifying concerns and communicating them clearly, individuals can work with providers to correct problems and achieve better health outcomes.
How Self-Advocacy is Used
Self-advocacy involves several straightforward actions, turning a passive recipient into an active participant in their care journey.
1. Asking Questions
A well-informed person makes sound decisions. Asking questions is a key skill of self-advocacy. If a medication change is suggested, or if a service plan is altered, it is perfectly acceptable to ask:
- What is the reason for this change?
- What are the alternatives?
- How will this affect my daily life?
If information is confusing, always ask for it to be presented in simpler terms.
2. Expressing Preferences
Care must be tailored to the individual. Self-advocacy means clearly stating preferences regarding meals, activities, visitors, and how personal care is delivered. For example, if a person prefers a shower at a specific time, they should communicate this to the care team. Care providers should record these preferences and adjust service delivery accordingly.
3. Addressing Concerns and Complaints
If a problem arises, self-advocacy means formally raising the concern. This could be a minor issue, like a late meal, or a serious matter, such as feeling ignored or unsafe. Most aged care providers have an internal complaints process. Learning how to access and use this process is a powerful act of self-advocacy. If the internal process fails, external bodies, such as the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, can be approached.
4. Record Keeping
Keeping simple records can greatly support self-advocacy efforts. This involves noting down the names of care staff, dates and times of important conversations, and specific details about any concerns raised. This documentation helps provide a factual basis when communicating issues or confirming agreed-upon care arrangements.
When Support is Needed: External Advocacy
While self-advocacy is about speaking for oneself, sometimes a person may need support. This is where external advocacy, or informal support from family and friends, plays a role. An external advocate may attend meetings, help write letters, or speak on behalf of the care recipient if they are unable to do so themselves. The person receiving care should consent to and direct the actions of any external advocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What rights do I have in aged care?
Under the Charter of Aged Care Rights, you have rights including being treated with dignity and respect, having control over your care decisions, and receiving safe, quality services that meet your needs. You also have the right to speak up and complain without retribution.
What should I do if my concerns are ignored?
First, try raising your concern formally with the manager or senior staff at the service. If the issue is still not addressed, you can reach out to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, which handles complaints about Commonwealth-funded aged care services.
Can family members advocate for me?
Yes, family members or friends can act as informal advocates, helping you communicate your needs. However, the service must respect your preferences and wishes above all else, and you should always be included in the decisions being made whenever possible.
