Diversity, identity and belonging: making sure every older person is included in aged care

Our culture, beliefs, language and relationships all contribute to our unique identity, which shapes an older person’s aged care journey. The Aged Care Act 2024 recognises older people’s rights to be treated with dignity and respect and acknowledge their identity, culture, spirituality and diversity.  Join OPAN and our expert panel as we unpack diversity in ageing and aged care. Explore how identity influences our lives, how rights protect dignity and inclusion, and how connection helps us thrive.

Panelists:

• • Hosted by Craig Gear, CEO, Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN)
  • Anthony van Ballegooij, Diversity Education Lead
  • Rachael Wass, CEO, Meaningful Ageing Australia

OPAN

Free online learning for older people and their supporters opan.org.au/toolkits

• • • • • Self-advocacy toolkit. Learn about self-advocating and speaking up when it comes to your aged care services
        • Substitute decision-making toolkit. Learn about supported decision-making roles and rights when it comes to receiving aged care services
        • Free, confidential & independent support for recipients of aged care services opan.org.au | 1800 700 600

OPAN Webinars

View past webinars covering topics opan.org.au/webinars

• • • • • Aged Care Act spotlight: Supported decision-making
        • Aged Care Act spotlight: Navigating aged care complaints
        • Elder abuse: Protecting rights, preventing harm

OPAN Training

In person and online training resources for aged care professionals opan.org.au/training

• • • • • Who’s Missing: Planning for Diversity – In-person workshop
        • Who’s Missing: Planning for Diversity – Free eLearning course
        • Supported decision-making – Free eLearning course

Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission

• • • • • Raising a complaint. Submitting complaints, general information & resources
        • Statement of Rights. Explore the rights older people have when accessing aged care services
        • Aged Care Quality Standards. Explore the standards many aged care providers must uphold

Other links

• • • • • Meaningful Ageing Australia
        • Disabled Surfing Australia

Department of Health, Disability & Ageing

• • • • • Aged Care Diversity Framework View the action plan & framework

Counselling & support services

• • • • • 1800 RESPECT: Domestic, family & sexual violence counselling service| 1800 737 732
        • Lifeline: 24/7 Crisis supports line. Call, SMS or online| 13 11 14, or SMS 0477 13 11 14
        • Beyond Blue: 24/7 counselling Call or chat online. | 1300 224 636
        • 13YARN: Run by Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people | 139 276