The Statement of Rights is a foundational document within the aged care system, especially in Australia, established to safeguard the dignity, well-being, and autonomy of older people receiving funded aged care services. It clearly defines the expectations for both those receiving care and the registered providers delivering it.
What is the Aged Care Statement of Rights?
The Statement of Rights outlines the fundamental entitlements of older individuals accessing aged care services. It acts as a commitment that care services must respect and support the identity, culture, spirituality, and diversity of every person. Its existence promotes safe, quality care and places the individual's needs and choices at the center of the care system. It is a core requirement under the relevant aged care legislation.
The purpose of this statement is twofold: to inform older people of their rights and to mandate that providers adhere to these rights in their service delivery.
Key Rights Included in the Statement
The Statement of Rights covers several core areas designed to guarantee respect, safety, and self-determination for older people. These rights apply to everyone receiving funded aged care services.
Independence, Choice, and Control
Older people have the right to autonomy and freedom of choice. This means they maintain the right to make their own decisions regarding their life and the aged care services they receive. They have control over how they access approved services, and how they manage their money and belongings. The right also includes choosing the way they live, even if it involves some personal risk, provided they receive appropriate support for making those decisions.
Equitable Access
The Statement specifies that individuals have the right to fair and accurate assessments for care. These assessments must be culturally safe, trauma-aware, and respectful of the person’s background, personal experiences (including trauma), and any cognitive conditions, such as dementia. This ensures every older person receives recognition and respect during the process of accessing care.
Quality and Safety
A major component of the Statement is the right to quality and safe funded aged care services. This includes services that are consistently free from violence, abuse, and neglect. Care must be delivered by workers who possess the right training and skills. Providers are required to actively support the individual's identity, culture, spirituality, and diversity as part of delivering high-quality care.
Privacy and Information
Every person in aged care has the right to respect and protection of their privacy. Providers and aged care staff must safeguard access to personal information. This right also grants older people access to information about the funded services they receive, including details about costs.
Communication and Feedback
The Statement emphasizes person-centered communication, where the older person is put first. Individuals have the right to receive information in a way they can readily understand and to communicate using their preferred language or method. Crucially, they have the right to raise issues, provide feedback, or make a complaint without any fear of unfair treatment or punishment. They also have the right to access support from an advocate or another chosen person when making decisions or complaints.
What the Statement of Rights Means for Providers
Registered aged care providers have clear obligations under this Statement. They must:
- Act in Line with the Rights: Providers must take all reasonable steps to conduct their services in accordance with every part of the Statement of Rights.
- Show Understanding: They are required to show that they genuinely understand the rights of older people and how they apply in practice.
The Statement reinforces that the rights of older people are paramount and must be upheld throughout the delivery of all aged care services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who does the Statement of Rights apply to?
The Statement of Rights applies to all older people accessing funded aged care services.
Can I complain if my rights are not met?
Yes. If an older person believes a provider is not acting in line with the Statement of Rights, they have the right to make a complaint to the appropriate complaints body, such as the Complaints Commissioner.
What does "independence and freedom of choice" mean in care?
It means you have the right to make decisions about the services you receive and how you live your life, and that providers must respect those decisions, even if they carry some personal risk.
