The Charter of Aged Care Rights grants the same rights to all consumers, regardless of the type of Australian Government-funded care and services they receive. The Charter makes it easier for consumers, their families, carers and representatives to understand what they can expect from an aged care service.
The Charter of Aged Care Rights focuses on 14 high-level consumer rights. These include the right to:
- safe and high-quality care and services
- be treated with dignity and respect
- have identity, culture and diversity valued and supported
- live free from abuse and neglect
- receive information about care and services in an understandable way
- access all personal information, including details about rights, care, and services
- have control over and make choices about care, personal and social life, even when choices involve personal risk
- have control over, and make decisions about, personal aspects of daily life, financial affairs and possessions
- maintain independence
- be listened to and understood
- have a person of choice, including an aged care advocate, to support or speak on one’s behalf
- file complaints without fear of reprisal, with fair and prompt handling
- personal privacy and protection of personal information
- exercise rights without negative consequences on treatment.
Page updated 29 October 2024