Summary of the information presented in this webinar

About Elder Rights Advocacy

• This webinar is for aged care staff and is a general introduction to the rights of older people
• Information and advocacy provided by Elder Rights Advocacy are underpinned by the Charter of Aged Care Rights and the Aged Care Quality Standards
• Elder Rights Advocacy is the Victorian member of the Older Persons Advocacy Network and has been delivering the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP) for over 30 years.
• Elder Rights Advocacy provides several services, including the National Aged Care Advocacy Program, community education, provider education and the Community Visitors Scheme. Elder Rights Advocacy services are free, independent, and confidential.
• Advocates work within the framework of the Aged Care Act and provide information to empower older people to speak on their own behalf and have confidence in their rights
• Advocates also support older people to make decisions, explore options for better meeting their aged care needs, and raise and resolve concerns or complaints

Elder Abuse and SIRS

• Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual, social, financial, and neglect abuse. Financial abuse is the most common form.
• Signs of elder abuse may include unusual behaviour, depression, unexplained bruising, and weight loss.
• The Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) is a government initiative that requires providers to record and manage serious incidents in residential aged care, including unexpected death, financial coercion, neglect, and others.
• Elder abuse must be reported, even if the person refuses permission to do so.
• Dignity of risk versus duty of care: Older people have the right to take risks, but staff have a duty of care to ensure the person’s safety.

Aged Care Standards and Rights

• The Charter of Aged Care Rights outlines personal, civil, human, and legal rights of older people who receive aged care, including the right to have their identity, culture, and diversity valued and supported.
• Older people have the legislative right to control their lives and access information about themselves
• Standards in aged care include consumer dignity and choice, ongoing assessment and planning, human resources, organisational governance, environment, daily supports, personal and clinical care, and person-centred care.
• Person-centred care involves understanding what is important to the person, fostering trust and mutual respect, working together to plan care and support, and supporting the person’s diversity, autonomy, and independence. Staff should be trained to work in an inclusive person-centred framework, and feedback should be encouraged and responded to.
• Common concerns in residential aged care include assessment and care planning, consultation, communication, clinical and personal care, food quality and quantity, call bell response time, and activities.
• Concerns with home care packages include insufficient funds, overcharging, culturally inappropriate support workers, charging for case management, not understanding what’s important to the client, and excluded items.
• Common concerns with the Commonwealth Home Support Program are similar to those with home care packages, and older people want to be supported to maintain their independence.

The Aged Care Act and Care Plans

• The Aged Care Act is based on partnership of care with older persons and their representatives.
• Care plans should be developed with older persons and should take their life history and goals into account.
• Resident and representative committees should be established to allow ownership and feedback.
• Elder Rights Advocacy is open to questions and wants to work in partnership with providers to achieve the best outcomes for older people.