Rights, choice and dignity of risk

The Statement of Rights

The Aged Care Act includes a Statement of Rights. Every older person accessing aged care has the right to: independence, autonomy, empowerment and freedom of choice; equitable access; quality and safe care; respect for privacy and information; person-centred communication and the ability to raise issues without reprisal; and support from advocates, significant persons and social connections.

Providers have to make sure their actions are consistent with these rights — and that means the way workers act, every day.

Choice and dignity of risk

Older people have the right to make their own decisions about their care, their money and belongings and how they live — even if there is some personal risk — and to get support to make those decisions if they need it. This is often called dignity of risk.

Respecting a risky choice doesn't mean ignoring it. Make sure the person has the information they need, explore safer ways to do what they want, record the decision as your provider requires and tell your supervisor so the care plan reflects it.

When someone refuses care

An informed person can refuse care or decline to follow advice. Your provider's process will usually ask you to document the refusal, why it happened and what was done to reduce the risk. If you're unsure whether the person understood the risks, raise it with your supervisor.