Receiving aged care should not mean losing control over everyday decisions.
That is the message for older Hawkesbury residents and their families as National Seniors Australia highlights choice, dignity and independence in aged care.
Australia’s rights-based Aged Care Act began on November 1, 2025. Its Statement of Rights sets out protections for people accessing Australian Government-funded aged care.
These include making decisions about their lives and having those decisions respected, with control over which funded services they use and how they access them.
For residents receiving support at home or living in an aged care home, understanding these rights is an important part of participating in care decisions.
Families can help by asking how the person’s preferences are recorded and making sure the older person remains central to discussions.
People who need help understanding services or raising concerns can seek free, confidential and independent assistance from an aged care advocate.
Further information is available at myagedcare.gov.au.
Sources: National Seniors’ feature and the Australian Government’s explanation of the Act and Statement of Rights.
