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In the Australian aged care sector, staff training and development play a crucial role in ensuring high-quality care and support for older people. One effective way to achieve this is by training staff in aged care rights. Elder Rights Advocacy offers onsite and virtual staff education sessions that explore the Charter of Aged Care Rights (the Charter) and support staff in upholding these rights.
Based on the Charter, Elder Rights Advocacy education sessions promote person-centred care and listening to the older person’s voice in all interactions. By recognising and respecting the older person’s rights, care staff create an environment for older people that fosters their independence, choice, and a sense of control over their own lives. While all care staff should be aware of the Charter of Aged Care Rights, feedback from staff who have attended one of Elder Rights Advocacy’s education sessions shows that the information enhances their understanding of these rights.
Aged care staff with a strong understanding of aged care rights will deliver high-quality care. Elder Rights Advocacy education sessions cover how these rights relate to safety, privacy, dignity, and freedom from abuse and support staff members in consistently providing care that meets these standards. Enhanced quality of care contributes to better health outcomes, improved emotional wellbeing, and an overall higher quality of life for older people.
Educating staff in aged care rights promotes effective communication and engagement with older people. Staff members are encouraged to listen actively to residents, respect individual preferences, and involve the older person in decision-making. Elder Rights Advocacy educators draw on real-life examples reflecting their advocacy experience. The sessions are interactive and allow time for open discussion on how to balance rights and risks.
Education programs play a crucial role in preventing elder abuse and neglect by educating aged care staff about their rights. In addition to advocacy and aged care rights training, Elder Rights Advocacy offers education sessions in preventing and responding to elder abuse. These sessions assist staff in recognising signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and responding appropriately. This can help identify potential issues early on, leading to timely interventions and protecting vulnerable older people.
Aged care providers are subject to regulatory frameworks and standards that govern the rights and wellbeing of older adults. Elder Rights Advocacy’s education sessions in aged care rights support compliance with these standards, reducing the risk of regulatory consequences. Compliance safeguards older people’s interests and fosters trust and confidence among residents and their families. Staff are encouraged to advocate for older people and refer residents to Elder Rights Advocacy for confidential and independent advice.
Educating aged care staff to implement the Charter of Aged Care Rights is essential for ensuring older people’s wellbeing, dignity, and rights. Elder Rights Advocacy’s education sessions empower aged care staff by increasing their knowledge and understanding of these rights. These sessions support them in providing better quality care, preventing elder abuse and neglect, and creating an environment that respects the autonomy and choices of older people. Education benefits the older person and promotes a compassionate and person-centred care culture. Elder Rights Advocacy advocates live and work in communities across Victoria. To book an onsite or virtual session, please call 1800 700 600 or visit www.elderrights.org.au/get-support/education-sessions/
Sources:
Australian Human Rights Commission. (2018). Older People's Rights: Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/age-discrimination/publications/older-peoples-rights-fact-sheet Department of Health and Ageing, Australian Government. (2008). Aged Care Staff: Educating for the Future. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/aged-care-staff-educating-for-the-future.pdf Ombudsman Victoria. (2021). Training Aged Care Staff in Recognising and Reporting Elder Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/Publications/Training-aged-care-staff-in-recognising-and-reporting-elder-abuse.aspx World Health Organization. (2019). Elder abuse. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/elder-abuse