Your rights under the Aged Care Quality Standards
The Charter of Aged Care Rights — Australia
Older Australians receiving aged care have legal rights protected by the Aged Care Quality Standards. These are not optional. They apply in the home and in residential care.
The Aged Care Quality Standards (in plain language)
- You will be treated with dignity and respect
- Your identity, culture and diversity will be valued
- You can make decisions about your own care
- You will get clear information about the care being offered
- Your care will be safe, effective and based on your goals
- Your environment will be safe and welcoming
- You can speak up and complain without fear of consequence
- Staff will be trained, kind and respectful
You can complain
If something isn’t right — a missed shower, rough handling, isolation, untreated pain, missing belongings — you have the right to raise it. Start with the provider. If that doesn’t work, contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822. Complaints can be anonymous.
Free advocacy is available
OPAN provides free, confidential, independent advocacy. They sit on your side of the table. They help raise concerns, attend meetings, and make sure the older person’s voice is heard.
OPAN — Older Persons Advocacy Network
Call 1800 700 600 · 6am–10pm, every day
See all 53 guides in Care & end of life →
From bluetulipco.com/library/end-of-life/rights — printed 1 October 2026.
General information only — not a substitute for legal, medical, financial, or therapeutic advice. Read the full disclaimer.
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