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An Aged Care Turning Point: What the New Changes Mean for You

Last year, the Australian Government passed the Aged Care Act 2024, with the goal of improving the quality of services for older Australians.This includes strengthened standards. The aim of these standards is to provide you and your loved ones with:

• Increased safety
• High quality care
• Care that meets their needs and preferences

As part of the new Aged Care Act, new rules are being introduced. These include:

• Clear rights of older people seeking and accessing aged care services
• A culturally safe single assessment framework
• New system oversight to improve service accountability and quality
• Strengthening the roles and powers of the aged care regulator

What is the Statement of Rights

In addition, there is new Statement of Rights. The Statement of Rights provides greater clarity for providers, like CatholicCare Sydney, to clients on:

• Independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice
• Equitable access
• Respect for privacy and information
• Person-centred communication and ability to raise issues without reprisal
• The role of advocates, significant persons and social connections

Providers will be expected to ensure that their work is consistent with the Statement of Rights.

What does this mean for you?

With the implementation of the new Aged Care Quality Standards, there are a range of improvements coming to your care:

• Stronger and improved legal protections
• Increase support for client decision-making
• Better managed complaints process
• Whistleblower protections
• Clearer standards for Aged Care workers

Want to learn more? Visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for more information on the Aged Care Act.