Advocacy in Practice
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Advocacy

What we know

Advocacy is a process of supporting and enabling people to express their opinions and concerns, to access information and services, to defend and promote their rights and responsibilities, and to explore choices and options.

The core aim of aged care advocacy is to support those who are vulnerable or ‘hard to reach’ or who have complex needs. A person may advocate for himself or for herself or an advocate may undertake this. Education and information sessions on consumer rights can often result in consumers seeking advocacy assistance.


What can I do?

Let the older person and their family know about the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) resource.

Explore the What Matters Most for Older People resources with the older person and their family.

Give my resident or client a copy of How aged care advocacy can help you factsheet produced by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.

Ensure that staff, clients or residents are aware of advocacy services provided by organisations. The OPAN website has contact details for each state and territory.


What can I learn?

Become familiar with the new Aged Care Charter of Rights. The new Charter provides the same rights to all consumers, regardless of the type of Australian Government funded care and services they receive.

View How the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission can help you with any complaints that you may have about your care, or for more on the different methods for lodging a complaint.


What can my organisation do?

Promote the role of advocacy. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has a variety of resources for staff and for consumers.

OPAN can assist you with finding advocacy services in your state.

Run a training sesssion or invite an advocacy group to provide a session in the facility.


Page updated 07 July 2021