Community Information Session on Aged Care Rights
On Tuesday 26 November, senior Resthaven staff presented at a free information session at McCracken Country Club, Victor Harbor, to inform attendees about the new Charter of Aged Care Rights.
Resthaven Senior Manager Community Services, Grant White, and Assistant Manager Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services, Joan Martin, were members of the panel who were there to inform consumers, carers and families, and providers about the new Charter.
‘We were pleased to be invited to be part of the panel, and answer questions from the community on what the new Charter means for them’, says Grant White.
‘The Charter was introduced by the Australian Government on 1 July 2019, so as it is fairly new, the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) and Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) have rolled out several of these sessions around South Australia. The sessions have a focus on Home Care Packages (HCP) and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
‘Joining us on the panel were Maree and Maria, educators from OPAN, and Debra Bolt, an advocate from ARAS. Together we answered questions about what older people’s rights were and how the Charter supports these, and what benefits this will have to a consumer.
‘Conversations also centred around aged care advocacy, and how advocacy organisations like ARAS and OPAN can support consumers in having their rights met in relation to the charter.’
‘Resthaven respects and promotes our community’s aged care rights as represented by our values; Trust, Dignity and Choice.’
‘Resthaven also provides a free information and support service to members of the general public via Aged Care Alternatives, at Highgate.
‘The friendly staff and volunteers can assist with questions about aged care services, including assistance with navigating My Aged Care. You can contact Aged Care Alternatives using the website https://www.agedcarealternatives.net.au/ or telephone 08 8408 4600.’
Details of the charter can be found on the Department of Health website.
Visit www.opan.com.au or www.sa.agedrights.asn.au for more information about aged care advocacy services.