Your Statement of Rights in Aged Care

What this means for you

At Heart 4 Care, we believe every person deserves care that honours their voice, dignity and choices. The new rights-based framework under the Aged Care Act 2024 gives older Australians greater assurance that when they access aged-care services—whether in-home support, disability care, assistance coordination or residential care—their rights are front and centre. health.gov.au+1

If you’re navigating aged care in Queensland or arranging NDIS support, this means the system is evolving so you’re better protected and empowered.

The key rights you should know

Here are the big rights included in the new Statement of Rights:

  • Independence, autonomy & choice
    You have the right to decide what funded aged-care services you use, when and how they’re delivered, and by whom. You also have the right to manage your money and belongings—and live in the way you choose, even if there’s some personal risk.
  • Equitable access
    You’re entitled to a fair and accurate assessment for what services you need. That assessment must be respectful of your culture, background, trauma history and any cognitive conditions such as dementia. health.gov.au+1
  • Quality & safe services
    You have the right to safe, respectful, quality care that supports your identity, culture, spirituality and diversity. Services must be delivered by properly trained workers and registered providers. You also have the right to be free from abuse, neglect or discrimination.
  • Privacy & information
    You’re entitled to have your personal information and privacy respected. You also have the right to access records about your services, including costs. health.gov.au
  • Person-centred communication & raising issues
    You should receive information in a way you understand, in your preferred language or method of communication (including interpreters or aids). If something doesn’t feel right, you have the right to complain without fear of reprisal and to have the complaint dealt with fairly and promptly.
  • Support, advocacy & connection
    You have the right to the support you need to understand your rights and make decisions. You also have the right to stay connected with your loved ones, your community, your pets and your culture. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, this includes staying connected with Country, Island Home or community. health.gov.au+1

What this means if you’re using in-home / community care or NDIS-related support

If you’re receiving support at home (or organising it), or you’re coordinating disability care or NDIS support and in some ways crossing into the aged-care sector, here’s how you’ll benefit:

  • You can expect clearer information about your rights and how they apply to your service arrangements.
  • You’ll be consulted and supported in decisions about who provides your services, when and how they happen.
  • If you need a support coordinator or advocate to help you understand options (for example under NDIS support coordination), they’ll be recognised and your connections respected.
  • If any issues arise with your services, you’ll have the right to speak up, receive a fair response and be safe from unfair treatment.

What you can do now to protect and use your rights

  • Ask your provider: “Can you show me how the Statement of Rights applies to my support?”
  • Ensure you understand what services you’re approved for, who is delivering them, how they’re delivered, how much they cost (if applicable).
  • If you feel unsure about a decision or need support, ask about an advocate or supporter who can help you.
  • Keep a note of how you prefer to communicate (language, timing, format) and make sure it’s recorded in your service agreement.
  • If you feel things aren’t quite right—whether services, rights, communication or safety—use your right to raise concerns or complain. There are independent advocacy services to help. OPAN

How Heart 4 Care supports you

At Heart 4 Care, whether you’re looking into aged-care Queensland options, in-home care, disability support or assistance with support coordination—we’re here to ensure your needs and wishes are heard. We integrate the Statement of Rights into how we work:
  • We consult you about your preferences and involve you in decisions.
  • We provide clear, friendly information about your rights and our services.
  • We respect your culture, background and connections.
  • We help you stay connected—with family, community and your interests.

  • We support you if you need help to navigate decisions or want advocacy.

If you’d like to explore how we apply these rights in your care or support arrangement.
If you or someone you care for needs support, our friendly Heart 4 Care team can help — contact us today.

Suggested internal links

Suggested external links