In Australia, a new rights-based Aged Care Act 2024 is commencing on 1 July 2024. At the centre of this Act is the Statement of Rights. This sets out the rights that older people have when seeking or accessing aged care. Providers have a positive duty to ensure they deliver rights-based care. In the first 3 months of this Act are we seeing a change in behaviour of aged care providers and rights being upheld, or are we continuing to see rights being breached?

 

Using data collected from OPAN’s network members we will look at the rights based issues that are being raised with advocates and explore if we are seeing a shift in the issues being raised, compared to previous years’ data. Case studies will be used to explore these issues and consider what further action may need to be taken by providers, and others, in ensuring that rights are upheld.

 

The National Aged Care Advocacy Program, under which OPAN is funded, provided over 44,000 instances of information and advocacy last year. What this told us provides valuable insights into the challenges experienced by older people accessing and receiving aged care.

By considering the early stages of the implementation of rights based care, we can explore early indicators of areas where further work is needed.

 

This presentation will highlight some of the key case studies and outcomes from OPAN’s work and the importance of advocacy services for older people in upholding their human rights. It will also reflect on key strategies people, services and providers can take to ensure that the rights of older people are upheld more broadly.

Samantha has extensive knowledge and experience in policy, advocacy, human rights, and a strong commitment to inclusive aged care. Sam is the Director Policy, Education and Systemic Advocacy at the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN).

Sam is on the Board of the International Federation of Ageing, and Chairs their Nominating Committee, Chairs the Department of Health and Aged Care Diversity Consultative Committee and is a distinguished member of the Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG). She is also the Co-Convenor of the AAG Elder Abuse Special Interest Group and Convenor of the AAG LGBTI Special Interest Group. In addition, Sam Co-Chairs the National Aged Care Alliance, a representative body of 48 peak national organisations in aged care, comprising consumer groups, providers, unions and health professionals, working together to determine a more positive future for older people accessing aged care in Australia.

Sam holds Masters Degrees in Politics and Public Policy, International Relations, and Social Administration.