The Department of Health has issued a draft charter of the rights of consumers receiving aged care services and has invited public comment.
The charter outlines the rights of all aged care consumers, regardless of the type of subsidised service they receive, and is set to come in to force on 1 July 2019.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care, Ken Wyatt said the commitment was to strengthening the regulation of the aged care system so consumers were better protected.
“The Charter of Aged Care Rights is a vital part of our reform agenda,” Mr Wyatt said.
“It is my expectation that both the aged care provider and the person entering their program will sign the charter, which will help to ensure senior Australians receive high-quality care at all times and in all places.”
He encouraged aged care recipients, families and carers to have their say on the charter “but we also want to hear from service providers, consumer organisations, advocacy groups and anyone else with an interest in aged care rights”.
He said the new charter would replace the existing four charters relating to rights and responsibilities of aged care recipients.
“Implementing a single charter across all aged care will make rights clearer for consumers, regardless of the subsidised care type, in turn reducing regulatory compliance obligations for providers delivering multiple types of care,” Mr Wyatt said.
He said consultation would be open until 10 October.
The draft charter can be accessed at the Department of Health website at this PS News link with the 6-page consultation paper available at this link.
