Information
OPAN Information Services
Older Persons Advocacy Network organisations provide information about aged care service provision and the rights and responsibilities of consumers of Commonwealth funded aged care services.
Information can be provided to people receiving care, their carers, family members, service providers, other third parties, or members of the public. Many of the people who seek information from Older Persons Advocacy Network organisations are people who are happy to access services or make complaints themselves, but want to get their facts straight first.
Older Persons Advocacy Network organisations specifically provide information on:
- accessing and interacting with the aged care service system
- the rights and responsibilities of Commonwealth funded aged care consumers
- options and potential strategies for raising and addressing concerns about care services
- complaints processes
- advocacy supports, including connection to an advocate when required
- appropriate referrals for other services or out of scope issues.
- health care services
- neighbourhood disputes
- housing/tenancy issues
- elder safety
- retirement villages
- private non-government funded care and support services
- financial issues
- guardianship and administration matters.
Information provided by OPAN organisations is:
- independent from aged care service provision
- free and accessible to people with diverse needs
- available in a range of formats including over the phone, electronic, in print and face to face where required and practical
- respectful of people wishing to remain anonymous
- supportive of informed decision making and self-advocacy
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Other Useful Information
Accessing aged care services
My Aged Care is the main entry point to the aged care system in Australia.
My Aged Care can:
- Make arrangements for an assessment to determine eligibility for Commonwealth funded aged care services
- Offer support to find and access services
- Estimate fees and costs associated with aged care services
- Provide information on a range of topics including fees and charges, financial hardship provisions, residential respite, end of life care and much more.
For support to engage or raise a concern with My Aged Care contact your OPAN Organisation or Contact Us.
Aged Care Complaints
You may also choose to formally lodge a complaint about a commonwealth funded aged care service through the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. We can also provide support with this.
about making a formal complaint:
For support making a complaint to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission you can contact the OPAN organisation in your state or territory for assistance.
Aged Care Quality
If you are concerned about the quality of care provided by an aged care service, please refer to the purple Aged Care Complaints box above for an appropriate first point of contact.
Below is information on the Australian Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission whose role is to:
- accredit Australian Government-subsidised aged care homes
- conduct quality reviews of home care and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flexible care services
- provide compliance monitoring, information and training to providers
- work with the community to promote quality care for older Australians
- resolve complaints about aged care services
- Aged Care Accreditation Click Here
- Aged Care Accreditation Standards Click Here
- Consumer Experience Reports Click Here
Aged care rights and responsibilities
For information on your rights and responsibilities when receiving a Commonwealth funded aged care service, refer to the:
about your rights and responsibilities contact OPAN
Aged Care Legislation
The Aged Care Act 1997 (the Act) and associated Aged Care Principles set out the legislative framework for the funding and regulation of aged care.
For the latest version of the Aged Care Act 1997 visit the Australian Government’s Department of Health.
Carer information
The are a range of services that provide information and supports to Carers.
on the Carer Gateway:
Carers Australia is the national peak body representing Australia’s carers. For more information about the supports offered through Carers Australia visit www.carersaustralia.com.au or call 1800 242 636.
Aged Care System Overview
The Australian Aged Care System can be confusing.
The Checkout made a comedic You Tube video in 2018 to help consumers understand more about accessing residential aged care and care in their home.
To view this video click here.
