Over the years, aged care rights in Australia have undergone substantial changes. The journey traces back to the early 20th century when the first government-funded aged care facilities emerged. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the notion of rights for older individuals in aged care gained notable attention.
Initially, with minimal regulation, aged care facilities suffered from inadequate conditions. As awareness heightened, the Australian government reformed and enhanced the quality of care for older individuals. The pivotal moment came in 1997 with the introduction of the Aged Care Act, which outlined explicit rights and responsibilities. Today, the focus remains on championing autonomy, dignity, and overall well-being within aged care settings.
Furthermore, the evolution of the aged care rights charter stands as a crucial milestone in elder care. The charter has expanded to cover a broad spectrum of rights, embracing dignity, autonomy, and the right to access quality care. This ongoing evolution underscores the unwavering commitment to preserving the well-being and rights of older adults in our society.
These rights go beyond words—they are the foundation of ethical caregiving, preserving human dignity. In our article, we will delve into the intricacies of the aged care charter, highlighting its role in promoting holistic, compassionate care for our seniors.
What is the Charter of Aged Care Rights?
The Charter of Aged Care Rights is a framework designed to ensure that elderly individuals receive quality care, respect, and autonomy, regardless of the type of Australian Government-funded care and services they access. This charter empowers senior Australians to voice their needs and preferences, fostering a culture of respect and person-centred care.
The Charter of Aged Care Rights was introduced in 2019 as part of the Aged Care Quality Standards. The Charter applies to all aged care services funded by the Australian Government, including residential care, home care, flexible care, and services provided under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program. The Charter of Aged Care Rights protects the rights of consumers receiving Australian Government-funded aged care services.
According to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC), the Charter comprises 14 fundamental rights that older people can expect when accessing aged care services. These rights include the right to be treated with dignity and respect, the right to receive safe and high-quality care, the right to have control over personal and clinical decisions, and the right to be free from abuse and neglect.
The rights listed within the Aged Care Charter are as follows:
- Safe and high-quality care and services.
- Be treated with dignity and respect.
- Have my identity, culture and diversity valued and supported.
- Live without abuse and neglect.
- Be informed about my care and services in a way I understand.
- Access all information about myself, including information about my rights, care and services.
- Have control over and make choices about my care and personal and social life, including where the choices involve personal risk.
- Have control over and make decisions about the personal aspects of my daily life, financial affairs and possessions.
- My independence.
- Be listened to and understood.
- Have a person of my choice, including an aged care advocate, support me or speak on my behalf.
- Complain free from reprisal and have my complaints dealt with fairly and promptly.
- Personal privacy and to have my personal information protected.
- Exercise my rights without it adversely affecting the way I am treated.
What are Aged Care Quality Standards?
The Aged Care Quality Standards are a set of standards that outline the expectations for the quality of care and services provided in aged care facilities in Australia. They were introduced in 2019 as part of the aged care reforms. The ACQSC diligently monitors the adherence to these standards, ensuring the continual assessment and enhancement of the quality of elderly care services nationwide. They can investigate complaints about breaches of the Charter and take action against providers who do not comply.
All government-subsidised aged care providers must adhere to the Aged Care Quality Standards and demonstrate compliance through regular assessments and audits conducted by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. From the moment a service commences, the aged care provider must fulfil the 8 standards:
Standard 1 | Consumer dignity and choice |
Standard 2 | Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers |
Standard 3 | Personal care and clinical care |
Standard 4 | Services and support for daily living |
Standard 5 | Service environment |
Standard 6 | Feedback and complaints |
Standard 7 | Human resources |
Standard 8 | Organisational governance |
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What are the responsibilities of the Aged Care Provider and Consumer?
The core duties of aged care providers revolve around seamlessly incorporating the principles of the charter into the facility’s day-to-day operations. This includes educating staff on the rights and autonomy of residents, implementing strong protocols for handling objections, and cultivating an environment that prioritises respect and dignity. Furthermore, registered aged care providers shoulder the following primary duties of ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and support to recipients.
- Given a reasonable opportunity to sign the charter.
- Provide a copy of the charter to each person receiving aged care.
- Offer assistance to help them understand the charter effectively.
- Allow adequate time for individuals to review and sign the document.
- Ensure compliance with record-keeping requirements related to the charter.
Follow the Code of Conduct for Aged Care:
- Respect individuals’ rights to freedom of expression, self-determination, and decision-making in accordance with relevant laws and conventions.
- Treat individuals with dignity, respect their diversity, and value their uniqueness.
- Maintain the privacy of individuals.
- Deliver care, support, and services competently and safely, with care and skill.
- Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and transparency in all actions.
- Promptly address and act upon concerns affecting the quality and safety of care, support, and services.
- Provide care, support, and services that are free from all forms of violence, discrimination, exploitation, neglect, abuse, and sexual misconduct.
- Take necessary measures to prevent and respond to all forms of violence, discrimination, exploitation, neglect, abuse, and sexual misconduct.
The recipient can sign the charter as a way to demonstrate their understanding. They may also opt not to sign the charter, providing that their services can still commence or persist regardless of their decision. In alignment with the responsibilities of aged care providers, it is important to recognise that care recipients also have certain duties while using aged care services, such as:
- To respect the rights and needs of other people within the residential care service and to respect the needs of the residential care service community as a whole.
- To respect the rights of carers in an environment free from harassment.
- To give enough information to assist the approved provider to develop, deliver and review a care plan.
- To care for his or her own health and well-being as far as he or she is capable.
- To inform his or her medical practitioner, as far as he or she is able, about his or her relevant medical history and current state of health.
Conclusion
Outlining your fundamental rights as you navigate the aged care journey, the Charter of Aged Care Rights is a beacon of empowerment. With its principles of dignity, respect, and autonomy at the forefront, this charter has the transformative power to reshape the landscape of aged care, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.
As a registered aged care provider, Auspire Care is dedicated to delivering compassionate and person-centred care that aligns seamlessly with the principles of the Charter. We are committed to empowering individuals, nurturing independence, and celebrating the unique essence of each resident under our care. We strive to enrich your life with quality service and assistance. Reach out to us today!
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