Webinars have been filmed on the Border to build awareness around a new document coming into effect in July to protect the rights of aged care residents.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new Charter of Aged Care Rights replaces the current guidelines and covers 14 areas, ranging from safe and respectful care to an individual's right to access "all information" a provider has on their care.
All providers will be compelled to conform to the charter, and for the first time they will also have to provide a personally-signed copy to every resident.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network, comprising nine state and territory organisations, is developing resources about the document.
Albury-based OPAN educator Maree Montgomery visited Westmont Aged Care Services in Baranduda on Friday to film residents and staff discussing the issue.
"We wanted to show how to have a conversation about rights," she said.
"We have staff webinars and a consumer webinar as well.
"Every state and territory will have a community event, including in Albury, where we will talk about the charter and what people want in aged care.
Related:
"Westmont is really proactive; they have the butterfly model of care and are already talking about privacy and rights.
"There is going to be push-back from some providers, but it (the charter) is just about residents having a voice."
Residential aged care services have until the end of September to provide the signed charter to their residents, while home care providers have until the end of December.
Care recipients will be encouraged to sign it too.
Wodonga advocate Maria Berry, who does work with Seniors Rights Victoria, was involved in developing webinars for the industry.
In other news:
Ms Montgomery said the resources would be rolled out in coming months.
"Maria was on all the webinars as a consumer, and for OPAN will probably be our continuing consumer representative," she said.
"We've had representatives from leading aged care services; private and not-for-profit."
Then-Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt announced the changes in March as part of aged care reforms, which include new aged care quality standards that also come into force on July 1.
"Being treated with dignity and living without abuse and neglect are among the top tiers of the new charter," he said.
"Both the standards and the charter will further empower the new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, as it works with the aged care sector to protect senior Australians."
The charter was developed from consultation including more than 550 submissions.
