Consumer Rights, Dignity and Choice Policy Template | Aged Care | Governa

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.

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

Instant access. Editable Word document. No credit card required.

More Policy Templates

AI and Automated Decision-Making Policy Template

Establishes governance for the use of artificial intelligence tools in care planning, compliance monitoring, and administrative processes, including transparency, human oversight, bias prevention, and resident rights.

AN-ACC Assessment and Funding Policy Template

Outlines the Australian National Aged Care Classification assessment process, including timeframes, responsibilities, and how funding is calculated and reviewed under the new funding model.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Care Policy Template

Provides a dedicated framework for culturally safe, responsive, and affirming care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, going beyond the general Cultural Diversity Policy.

Abuse Neglect Prevention Policy

Access a free, audit-ready Abuse and Neglect Prevention Policy template for aged care providers. This comprehensive resource covers all forms of abuse, reporting pathways, and prevention strategies to ensure compliance with the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and SIRS requirements.

Accreditation and Regulatory Audit Management Policy Template

Defines how the facility prepares for, manages during, and responds after ACQSC site audits and performance assessments, including documentation readiness, staff briefings, and corrective action planning.

Advance Care Planning Policy Template

Access a free Advance Care Planning policy template designed to help aged care providers align with Standard 5 of the Strengthened Quality Standards. This resource provides a comprehensive framework for documenting resident preferences and ensuring compliance with the Aged Care Act 2024 across all Australian jurisdictions.

Advocacy and Access Policy

Get your free Advocacy and Access Policy Template. Understand rights, support, and fair treatment in care settings.

Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Use Policy Template

Balances residents' right to use alcohol, tobacco, and other substances with the facility's safety obligations and health risk management duties.