A free information session will aim to teach community members about the new Charter of Aged Care Rights, after it was updated by the federal government in July.
The event will be held at the Lakelands Library from 2-4pm on Thursday, October 31.
The new Charter places the consumer, a person receiving aged care services, at the centre of their care by supporting them to express their needs and recognising their fundamental right to be treated with dignity and respect.
Providers are responsible for supporting consumers to understand their rights under the new Charter, and ensure consumers or their authorised person are given a reasonable opportunity to sign a copy of the Charter.
This presents an important opportunity for providers to deepen their engagement with consumers and change the way that care is experienced by older people.
The event will be run by the Older Persons Advocacy Network, a peak body who delivers advocacy to those receiving aged care services, and Advocare, to discuss what the new charter means for both consumers and service providers.
It hopes to educate carers and families using interactive and educational tools, with a focus on Home Care and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.
Attendees will come away with an in-depth knowledge of the 14 consumer rights in the new Charter as well as key changes, rationale for change and the benefits of the change.
Other topics that will be discussed include Charter implementation requirements and timelines, what signing the Charter means, the consumer's right not to sign, aged care support available and the resources at hand to assist with understanding the Charter.
A complimentary light afternoon tea and refreshments will be provided so participants are required to RSVP.
For more information about the event, or to register, visit the Eventbrite website.
For more information about the Charter, visit the Older Persons Advocacy Network website or call the information line on 1800 237 981.