CONVERSATIONS 4 Aged Care Update – What You Need to Know Big changes have arrived in aged care with the new Aged Care Act 2024 and the Support at Home program, designed to make care safer, fairer, and more person focused. Rights-Based Aged Care • Statement of Rights is now law: · Independence, autonomy, and dignity · Safe, high-quality care · Freedom to speak up without fear • Supported decision-making: Older people can appoint “registered supporters” to help with care decisions. • Stronger whistleblower protections and an independent Complaints Commissioner. The Aged Care Code of Conduct Under the Aged Care Act 2024, the Aged Care Code of Conduct sets clear standards for how aged care providers, their staff, and governing persons must behave when delivering care. Its purpose is simple: to keep you safe, respected, and supported. What does the Code guarantee? • You have the right to dignity, respect, and personal choice. • Your care must be delivered safely and competently. • Your privacy must be protected. • Providers and workers must act with honesty, integrity, and transparency. • All care must be free from abuse, neglect, discrimination, exploitation, and sexual misconduct. The 8 key requirements include: 1. Respect your rights to freedom of expression and decision-making. 2. Treat you with dignity and value your diversity. 3. Respect your privacy. 4. Deliver care safely and with skill. 5. Act with integrity, honesty, and transparency. 6. Raise and act on concerns promptly. 7. Provide carefree from harm, abuse, and misconduct. 8. Take all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to abuse or neglect. If you ever feel these standards are not met, you can speak with West Coast Homecare or contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822 or visit www.agedcarequality.gov.au. Support at Home Program • Replaces Home Care Packages and shortterm programs. • Eight funding levels for ongoing care (instead of four). • Three short-term pathways: · Restorative Care (up to 12 weeks) · End-of-Life Care (last 3 months of life) · Assistive Technology & Home Modifications • Quarterly budgets for flexibility and transparency. • Commonwealth Home Support Program will transition by July 2027. For more information about the Support at Home Program contact your Home Care Partner or go online www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-athome
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