Informing older Australians, their families, and caregivers about their rights when providing feedback or lodging a complaint with their service provider.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing urges you to file a complaint or address a concern if you believe your service provider has failed to respect your rights.
The newly enacted Aged Care Act places you at the forefront of your aged care and establishes regulations to safeguard your rights | My Aged Care.
Submit feedback if you have concerns
Whether your concern relates to your care, an infringement of your rights, or something that seems off, you are able to lodge a complaint | My Aged Care.
You have the right to provide truthful feedback to your provider without the apprehension of being penalized or treated unjustly.
Your feedback aids your provider in understanding what is operating well and in identifying potential improvements.
Reporting an issue to highlight misconduct
Whistleblower protections ensure that you can report individuals who are not adhering to the law without fear.
These protections guarantee:
- your safety from retaliation or intimidation when you raise a concern
- your identity remains confidential if you request it.
To whom you may approach
If you feel uncomfortable giving feedback or raising an issue with your provider, or if you’re unsatisfied with the way they’ve handled it, you can talk to:
- the Complaints Commissioner or a staff member of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- an aged care provider or worker
- a CEO or Board member
- a police officer
- an independent aged care advocate.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) offers free, confidential support to help you.