Consumer Rights Dignity Choice Policy

Access a free Consumer Rights, Dignity and Choice Policy template designed to help Australian aged care providers align with Standard 1 of the Strengthened Quality Standards. This resource provides a comprehensive framework for upholding the Charter of Aged Care Rights and supporting informed resident decision-making.

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Consumer Rights, Dignity and Choice Policy Template for Aged Care

Standard 1 of the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards — The Person — places the rights, dignity, and choices of the individual at the centre of every care decision. A formal Consumer Rights, Dignity and Choice Policy is one of the first documents ACQSC assessors will ask for, and one of the most important you can have in place.

This free template provides a comprehensive, ACQS-aligned policy that can be adopted and customised by any Australian residential aged care provider.

What Standard 1 of the Strengthened ACQS Requires

Under Standard 1 (The Person), providers must demonstrate that:

Residents are treated with dignity and respect at all times
Care and services are delivered in a way that reflects each person's identity, preferences, and values
Residents are supported to make informed decisions about their own care
Residents' rights under the Aged Care Act (including the Charter of Aged Care Rights) are actively upheld
Residents are not subjected to unlawful discrimination

The Charter of Aged Care Rights

The Charter of Aged Care Rights (effective November 2019) grants all aged care residents specific, legally enforceable rights. This policy template incorporates and operationalises the Charter's key rights, including the right to:

Safe and high-quality care and services
Be treated with dignity and respect
Have your identity, culture, and diversity valued
Live without abuse and neglect
Be informed about care and make decisions
Control your own finances
Make complaints without adverse consequences

What This Template Includes

Policy statement aligned to the Charter of Aged Care Rights
Rights and responsibilities of residents
Informed decision-making and consent procedures
Substitute decision-making framework
Dignity of risk — supporting residents to make choices that carry risk
Anti-discrimination obligations
Complaint rights and process overview
Roles and responsibilities matrix
Legislation and standards references

Download the Free Consumer Rights, Dignity and Choice Policy Template

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