Summary of the information presented in this webinar

About Elder Rights Advocacy

• Elder Rights Advocacy is a free, independent, and confidential service. We are members of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and funded by the Commonwealth Government to provide the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP) in Victoria.
• The service is available to those receiving or seeking Commonwealth-funded aged care services, as well as their families or representatives.
• Elder Rights Advocacy provides direct support to older people, their families, and education to the community on older people’s rights and quality care.
• We also offer the Community Visitors Scheme, which brings together volunteers and older people for social connection, friendship, and companionship in regional Victoria.
• All Elder Rights Advocacy advocates are qualified professionals who receive ongoing training and are members of the Older Persons Advocacy Network to ensure consistent practice across the country.
• Advocates provide information and help support older people to speak on their own behalf or stand beside them and speak on their behalf with their permission. Advocates can help with any issues related to home care and provide direct advocacy to the provider.

The Charter of Aged Care Rights and the Aged Care Quality Standards

• The Charter of Aged Care Rights includes the right to safe and high-quality care and services, dignity and respect, access to information, and the right to complain free of reprisals.
• The Charter also recognises the right to have control over and make decisions about personal aspects of daily life, even when it involves risk.
• The Quality of Care principles are outlined in the Aged Care Quality Standards, which put the person at the centre of everything. Person-centred care involves understanding what’s important to the person, taking into account their background, culture, assessed needs, and preferences.
• The aged care act is premised on a partnership of care, which involves planning care and support with the aged care provider and health professionals.

Aged care issues and care plans

• Common issues for people living in residential aged care are ongoing assessment and care planning, poor clinical care, food, call bell answer time, and activities
• Common issues for home care are fees and charges, appropriate services to meet individual needs, and excluded items from the home care package guidelines
• Care plans should be developed in partnership with the provider and must support diversity, autonomy, and independence as much as possible.
• Providers have a duty of care to balance risk and their responsibility to provide care without forcing older people.
• You can contact Elder Rights Advocacy for information or direct advocacy support and representation with your consent.
• Elder Rights Advocacy provides education and information sessions for interested communities either in person or via Zoom.