From 1 July 2019, the new Charter of Aged Care Rights will provide the same rights to all consumers of government-funded aged care in Australia, regardless of whether they are receiving residential care, a Home Care Package, flexible care or other services. The new Charter sets out 14 rights and will make it easier for consumers and their families, carers and representatives to understand what they can expect from an aged care service.
What service providers must do
Service providers are expected to support consumers to understand the new Charter. From 1 July 2019, they must give consumers a copy of the Charter signed by the provider. The consumer or their authorised person is also invited to sign the Charter to acknowledge they have received it and been given assistance to understand it and their rights. However, signing is voluntary for consumers. The Charter of Aged Care Rights Templates for Signing can be downloaded from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission website.
The requirements are being implemented progressively over the six months from 1 July to 31 December 2019, starting with new consumers before extending to existing consumers across all types of aged care service.