The Department of Health has launched a new framework for ensuring elderly Australians in aged care facilities receive assistance if required.
The new National Aged Care Advocacy Framework sets out the objectives, guiding principles and target groups for the Department’s National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP).
In a statement, the Department said the framework would ensure that people in all States and Territories had access to consistently high quality, independent and free support from NACAP, if they needed help with an aged care issue.
It said the framework was developed with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), which was funded by the Department to deliver NACAP. It was also shaped by a public consultation process that included peak organisations representing both consumers and aged care providers.
“It will help advocates in OPAN’s nine member organisations to provide even stronger support and protection of senior Australians’ rights.
“NACAP provides confidential advocacy support, education and information to older people who receive Commonwealth funded residential or home support aged care services. Family members, carers and people wanting to receive aged care services may also use the service.”
The Department said the framework directed NACAP to focus on people living with dementia, a disability, or cognitive decline and those from special needs groups.
“These include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, rural and remote area residents, financially or socially disadvantaged people and Defence veterans and spouses.
“It also recognises carers, family members, “family of choice” and other representatives of aged care consumers as partners in advocacy processes,” it said.
The new framework can be accessed on the Department’s website at this PS News link.
