Australia’s aged care system is undergoing a transformation—one driven by lessons from the past, demands of an ageing population, and a stronger focus on human dignity. At the heart of this transformation is a commitment to protecting the rights of every older Australian, regardless of their background, health needs, or where they receive care.
Whether an older person receives government-funded aged care at home or in a residential aged care home, they are protected under the Statement of Rights, a legally recognised framework that defines what safe, high-quality, respectful care must look like.
This extended guide explores these rights in depth, explains why they matter, and helps families use them to make informed decisions that promote safety, independence, and wellbeing.
Why Aged Care Rights Matter More Than Ever
Australia is entering a new era of aged care—one that prioritises respect, autonomy, and safety. Several factors make the Statement of Rights more important today than at any point in the past:
- An Ageing Population
By 2050, more than 1 in 5 Australians will be over the age of 65. As needs grow, clear rights help ensure care remains consistent and fair.
- Increased Vulnerability
Older Australians may face:
- physical frailty
- cognitive decline
- reduced social networks
- complex health conditions
- financial vulnerability
Rights provide a safety net against neglect, exploitation, and disrespect.
- Lessons from the Royal Commission
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety exposed widespread issues:
- inadequate staffing
- poor communication
- neglect
- lack of accountability
The Statement of Rights is part of the national effort to rebuild trust and improve safety.
- Changing Expectations
Today’s seniors expect:
- clear information
- choice
- autonomy
- transparency
- respectful interactions
Rights help empower older Australians to participate actively in their own care.
Understanding the Statement of Rights
The Statement of Rights outlines what every older Australian is entitled to when they access government-funded aged care. These rights apply equally to:
✔ Home Care Package recipients
✔ Support at Home participants (from 2025)
✔ Residential aged care residents
✔ Short-term restorative care clients
✔ Transitional care clients
Below is a detailed breakdown of these rights and what each means in practice.
Right 1 — Access to Safe, High-Quality Services
This includes the right to:
- receive safe clinical care
- be supported by trained, qualified staff
- be protected from harm and neglect
- receive services consistent with best-practice standards
- have risks identified and managed appropriately
High-quality care means more than basic tasks—it includes continuity of care, effective communication, and person-centred support.
Why this matters
Safety incidents disproportionately affect older Australians. The Statement of Rights ensures preventive measures, clear communication, and appropriate clinical oversight remain mandatory.
Right 2 — The Right to Dignity and Respect
This right covers:
- being valued as an individual
- being spoken to respectfully
- having cultural identity acknowledged
- privacy during personal care
- respect for personal space and preferences
Cultural safety is especially important for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders
- migrants and multicultural communities
- LGBTQ+ seniors
Why this matters
Older adults often feel invisible or infantilised. Respect restores a sense of identity and worth.
Right 3 — Control Over Daily Life and Personal Choices
Older Australians have the right to make decisions about:
- daily routines
- food preferences
- activities
- who enters their home or room
- how care is delivered
- their goals and priorities
Even in high-needs care settings, autonomy should be upheld whenever possible.
Why this matters
Loss of control contributes to depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. Autonomy preserves independence.
Right 4 — The Right to Be Listened To
Older people must have opportunities to:
- express concerns
- discuss preferences
- participate in care planning
- ask questions
- give feedback
Their voice must be respected, and their input must inform decision-making.
Why this matters
Seniors often hesitate to raise concerns due to fear of judgment or burdening family. This right guarantees that speaking up is not only safe—but encouraged.
Right 5 — The Right to Complain Without Fear
One of the strongest protections under the Statement of Rights is the guarantee that older Australians can complain:
- at any time
- anonymously if needed
- without retaliation
- without reduced quality of care
- with the expectation of a fair, prompt resolution
Providers must:
- have a clear complaints process
- record and manage complaints professionally
- respond within reasonable timeframes
Why this matters
The Royal Commission found that many older Australians were afraid to complain. This right restores accountability and transparency.
Right 6 — The Right to Security of Tenure
For aged care home residents, this means they cannot be asked to leave unless specific, regulated situations apply (e.g., safety concerns, home closure, or reassessment needs).
Providers must:
- provide written notice
- give reasons
- consider alternatives
- involve family or advocates
- respect appeals processes
Why this matters
Being forced to move can cause trauma, confusion, and health decline. This right protects stability and peace of mind.
Additional Consumer Law Protections
Older Australians also benefit from national consumer laws that guarantee:
✔ transparent fees and charges
✔ fair treatment
✔ accurate information
✔ no misleading conduct
✔ clear contractual agreements
This protects seniors from unfair contracts, hidden fees, or unclear service descriptions.
Advocates and Families as Partners in Rights Protection
Aged care advocates use the Statement of Rights to:
- guide older people through complaints
- assist in resolving care disputes
- support decision-making
- ensure providers meet obligations
- protect vulnerable clients
Family members can also play a critical role by:
- attending care meetings
- helping document preferences
- supporting communication
- monitoring service quality
- ensuring rights are upheld
Empowerment comes from knowing what to expect and when to seek help.
How Rights Support Quality of Life
When rights are respected, research shows improvements in:
- mental wellbeing
- physical health
- emotional stability
- confidence
- sense of purpose
- trust in the care system
Rights directly influence the lived experience of older Australians.
Accessing Resources and Support
The government provides:
- multilingual versions of the Statement of Rights
- explainer videos
- guides for advocates
- information for families
- training tools for providers
A key resource is the video:
Your aged care rights (full version) – YouTube
These tools help older Australians understand their protections clearly and confidently.
When to Seek Help or Raise Concerns
Families should raise concerns when they notice:
- changes in behaviour or mood
- signs of neglect
- unexplained injuries
- poor communication from providers
- reduction in care quality
- unapproved fee changes
- lack of respect or unsafe practices
Knowing rights helps families intervene early and effectively.
How SSCA Supports You Through the Aged Care Journey
Navigating the aged care system—especially provider selection—can feel overwhelming.
Many families struggle with:
- complex terminology
- unclear fee structures
- comparing services
- understanding eligibility
- choosing providers within strict timeframes
This is where Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA) helps.
SSCA Offers Free, Independent Care Finding Support
Our service includes:
✔ free guidance with no obligation
✔ 25+ years of aged care experience
✔ clear, simple explanations
✔ comparison of services, fees, and flexibility
✔ matching your needs and preferences with suitable providers
✔ support at every step of the journey
We help you understand your rights AND choose a provider who respects them.
Our goal is simple:
to reduce stress, save time, and help you make informed decisions confidently.
The Rights Every Older Australian Must Know — And Why They Matter Now More Than Ever