Empowering Seniors in the Aged Care System

By: Joni Boyd

While the Charter of Aged Care Rights gives seniors the right to demand quality care, there is a need for greater understanding.

Let’s be honest — understanding the aged care system can feel overwhelming.

Janet Evans and Dr. Amelia Haynes chatted with Margaret Crothers of Seniors Rights Services, who works to help older Australians understand, assert, and protect their rights.

“People aren’t born with aged care knowledge — understanding the system is crucial,” she told Janet and Amelia.

And she’s right. You can’t fight for your rights if you don’t even know what they are.

While the Charter of Aged Care Rights gives seniors the legal backing to demand dignity, respect, choice, and quality care, there is a need for greater understanding.

Whether a person is living independently, with in-home support, or in residential care, it’s important to know that help is available.

“You’re not alone in figuring this out,” Margaret said and explained the importance of not telling seniors what to do.

Instead, the team at Seniors Rights Service empower them to make their own informed decisions.

“It’s not our thing to put our morals on [them]… It’s [their] choice,” she said.