Receiving aged care is about more than accessing support services—it is about ensuring every older Australian is treated with dignity, respect and compassion.
As Australia’s aged care system continues to evolve, protecting the rights of older people has become a central focus of aged care reform. The new Aged Care Act places older people at the heart of the system, recognising that everyone receiving government-funded aged care should be able to make informed choices, participate in decisions about their care and receive services that respect their individual needs and preferences.
Understanding these rights can help older Australians and their families feel more confident when navigating the aged care system and choosing the support that best suits their circumstances.
Why Rights Matter in Aged Care
Growing older should never mean losing the ability to make choices about your own life.
Every older person has unique experiences, values and goals. A quality aged care system recognises this by supporting people to remain actively involved in decisions about the care they receive.
Knowing your rights helps ensure that care is delivered in a way that promotes:
- dignity and respect
- independence
- privacy
- safety
- inclusion
- personal choice
These principles encourage a more person-centred approach, where care is tailored to the individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
What Rights Do Older Australians Have?
While individual circumstances differ, people receiving government-funded aged care should expect services that respect their rights and wellbeing.
These rights include the ability to:
- be treated with dignity and respect
- participate in decisions about their care
- receive clear and understandable information
- have their culture, identity and personal preferences respected
- maintain privacy and confidentiality
- feel safe and free from abuse, neglect or discrimination
- raise concerns without fear of unfair treatment
These protections are intended to ensure that older Australians remain at the centre of all care decisions.
Supporting Choice and Independence
One of the key goals of Australia’s aged care reforms is to give older people greater choice and control.
Many older Australians wish to remain living independently for as long as possible, while others may require increasing levels of support over time.
Regardless of the type of care received, individuals should be encouraged to express their preferences and participate in decisions that affect their daily lives.
This may include choosing services, discussing care goals, reviewing care plans and communicating changing needs as circumstances evolve.
Families Also Play an Important Role
Families often support older relatives by researching services, attending appointments and helping compare care providers.
Having a clear understanding of aged care rights allows families to:
- ask informed questions
- better understand available options
- support shared decision-making
- advocate when necessary
- work collaboratively with providers
Open communication between older people, families and providers helps create stronger partnerships and better care outcomes.
Choosing a Provider That Respects Your Rights
When comparing aged care providers, it is important to consider more than the range of services offered.
Families may wish to ask:
- How are clients involved in care planning?
- How are personal preferences documented?
- How does the provider communicate with families?
- How are concerns or feedback managed?
- How does the provider support dignity, independence and individual choice?
Choosing a provider that values respectful communication and person-centred care can contribute to a more positive aged care experience.
Planning Ahead Helps You Make Informed Decisions
Understanding your rights before care becomes urgently needed gives you more time to explore available services and consider what is most important to you.
Planning ahead allows older Australians and their families to make informed decisions with greater confidence, rather than feeling pressured during times of illness or unexpected change.
For official information about the new Aged Care Act and the Statement of Rights for older people, visit the Australian Government website:
https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/guide-to-aged-care-law/chapter-1-introduction/statement-of-rights
Find the Right Home Care Provider with Confidence
Understanding your rights is an important first step. Finding the right provider is the next.
Support Services Connect Australia (SSCA) offers a free Care Finding service to help older Australians and their families compare Home Care providers based on individual needs, service flexibility, fees and location.
With more than 25 years of experience in the Australian aged care sector, SSCA provides independent, no-obligation guidance to help families make informed decisions and connect with a provider that best supports their needs.