Be aware of the rights afforded to you as a consumer of aged care and of goods and services in Australia.
As you age, your human rights do not diminish. You maintain the right to privacy, self-determination, safety, dignity, and respect. And you maintain rights as a consumer when receiving goods and services in Australia.
It’s important to be aware of the laws surrounding how you should be treated. In Australia, around 1 in 6 older people experienced elder abuse in 2020, and only one third sought help. But if you familiarise yourself with your rights, you can better protect them.
Are you a potential consumer of assistive technology, aged care, or NDIS supports and services? Here's some information you should know.
Aged care consumer rights
If you're an NDIS participant, you should know what rights you have as a consumer of NDIS funded supports and services. And if you're receiving aged care, you should know the Quality Standards your care must meet.
As a human being, you have rights to freedom of expression and self-determination. You must be allowed to make informed decisions about what services you wish to receive. Your service provider must communicate with you about the services they are offering. And they must respect your choices on the matter.
In fact, this is an element of both the Code of Conduct for Aged Care and the NDIS Code of Conduct.
The Code exists to ensure your rights are respected
You have the right to privacy. Your provider must not give out your information without your informed consent. However, aged care workers must report when significant harm occurs to a consumer.
You have the right to choose your workers and providers. They must provide your supports and services with care and skill, in a safe and competent manner.
You have the right to safety. This means freedom from violence, exploitation, neglect, abuse, and sexual misconduct.
Who the Code applies to
The Code of Conduct for Aged Care applies to approved providers of residential and home care and flexible care services. It doesn't apply to the CHSP, NATSIFACP, or to tradespeople not engaged by an approved provider. But these providers must still give safe and respectful care in keeping with the Code. It's your right to receive safe, respectful, and enjoyable aged care.
The NDIS Code of Conduct applies to registered and unregistered NDIS providers and NDIA community partners. It also applies to providers delivering the following:
- Information, linkages, or capacity building activities
- Commonwealth Continuity of Support Programme services for people over the age of 65
