Charter of Aged Care Rights
On 1 July 2019, the Australian Government introduced a new and simpler Charter of Aged Care Rights (the Charter). The Charter replaced the former charters of care recipients’ rights and responsibilities for residential care, home care, and short-term restorative care. The new Charter makes it easier for aged care consumers (people receiving aged care services), families and carers to understand what they can expect from an aged care service provider, regardless of the type of Australian Government funded aged care services they are receiving. The Charter places the consumer at the centre of care by supporting them to express their needs and recognising their fundamental right to be treated with dignity and respect. It also acknowledges that each consumer’s identity, culture and diversity are to be valued and supported.
I have the right to:
2. be treated with dignity and respect
3. have my identity, culture and diversity valued and supported
4. live without abuse and neglect
5. be informed about my care and services in a way I understand
6. access all information about myself, including information about my rights, care and services
7. have control over and make choices about my care, and personal and social life, including where the choices involve personal risk
8. have control over, and make decisions about, the personal aspects of my daily life, financial affairs and possessions
9. my independence
10. be listened to and understood
11. have a person of my choice, including an aged care advocate, support me or speak on my behalf
12. complain free from reprisal, and to have my complaints dealt with fairly and promptly
13. personal privacy and to have my personal information protected
14. exercise my rights without it adversely affecting the way I am treated
Implementation of the Charter – what needs to happen and by when?
Providers are responsible for giving consumers a signed copy of the Charter, supporting consumers to understand their rights under the Charter, and ensuring consumers or their authorised person are given a reasonable opportunity to sign a copy of the Charter. This presents an important opportunity for providers to deepen their engagement with consumers and change the way that care is experienced by older people.
From 1 July 2019
Charter implementation requirements to be completed for new consumers of all aged care programs and services prior to the commencement of services.
By 30 September 2019
Charter implementation requirements to be completed for existing consumers in residential aged care facilities and consumers receiving short-term restorative care in a residential aged care facility. Existing consumers of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme to be sent a copy of the Charter by their provider/s.
By 31 December 2019
Charter implementation requirements to be completed for existing consumers of Home Care Packages and those receiving short-term restorative care in their home.
By 30 June 2020
Charter implementation requirements to be completed for existing consumers of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
Watch our Recorded Understanding the new Charter of Aged Care Rights Event in Newcastle
Resources to support aged care consumers and service providers
- The OPAN Charter Information Line, is available for consumers, families and carers and service providers. If you have a question or need further information about the Charter, contact the OPAN Charter information line on 1800 237 981 8am – 8pm (AEST) Monday to Friday.
- Explainer video for consumers, in English, Mandarin, Italian and Greek – accessible below
- Explainer video for the aged care workforce – accessible below
- More information about the Charter is available on the Department of Health website including:
- A Charter of Aged Care Rights booklet (available in English and 18 languages). The booklet is designed to support understanding of the Charter. The content informs aged care consumers of their rights and how to exercise them. The booklet also includes information about consumer responsibilities. The booklet can also be used by aged care service providers to have the conversation with consumers and take them through their rights and responsibilities under the Charter
- A Charter of Aged Care Rights poster to display and promote awareness of the Charter
Watch our Charter of Aged Care Rights Explainer Videos
If the Vimeo links above are not working or are blocked, you can watch the explainer videos on the OPAN YouTube instead. View the videos here
