If you’re seeking, or receiving, government-funded aged care services, it’s common to need some support to work out what’s best for your situation. If you do, you might find an aged care advocate can help.
An advocate is an impartial person who can support you in a variety of situations – from understanding aged care services or fees through to understanding your rights and managing your aged care.
What advocacy support is available?
The Australian Government offers free, independent, and confidential support through the National Aged Care Advocacy Program (NACAP). The program is delivered by the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), which has locations in every state and territory.
All older Australians receiving or seeking government-funded aged care services, their families, and carers are eligible to access this service. This includes people who:
- live in an aged care home
- receive aged care services in their own home
- are helping someone who is receiving aged care services
How does advocacy work?
If you’re looking for support, OPAN can assign you to an aged care advocate. Your advocate can listen to your situation and provide independent assistance that is in your best interests.
An advocate is always on your side and will be guided by what you want and need. Importantly, they won’t talk to anyone unless you want them to.
An aged care advocate can help with:
- understanding aged care services or fees
- getting the most from your services
- guardianship information
- knowing and understanding your rights
- speaking with your service provider at your direction
- resolving concerns or complaints with your aged care provider about the services you receive
- speaking with your service provider at your direction
- increasing your skills and knowledge to advocate for yourself
- concerns that you may not be treated respectfully, fairly, or appropriately.
Who do I contact for more information?
To find out more about advocacy, the NACAP or connecting with an aged care advocate, you can:
- visit the OPAN website
- call OPAN on 1800 700 600 between 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday, and 10am – 4pm Saturday
- if you have a disability, you can also find someone to help you through the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP).
Learn more about self advocacy
You can use the OPAN self-advocacy toolkit online to learn more about advocacy.
You can also order a printed copy of the toolkit to learn more at any time without being online.