The new Aged Care Act includes a Statement of Principles which guides how the aged care system operates to prioritize the safety, health, wellbeing, and quality of life for older people receiving care. This statement emphasizes a person-centered approach, ensuring that older people are treated as unique individuals with their needs and preferences at the forefront of care delivery.

Key aspects of
the Statement Of Principles

  • Person-centered care:
    The statement ensures that the aged care system is designed to meet the individual needs and preferences of older people, promoting their autonomy and enabling them to live active, self-determined, and meaningful lives.
  • Safety, health, and wellbeing:
    The safety, health, and wellbeing of individuals receiving aged care services are paramount.
  • Rights-based approach:
    The Statement of Principles is closely linked to the Statement of Rights, which outlines the fundamental rights of older people when accessing aged care services.
  • Guidance for decision-making:
    The principles guide all stakeholders, including government agencies, providers, and workers, in making decisions and taking actions that align with the purpose of the new Act.
  • Promoting quality and continuous improvement:
    The statement encourages a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the aged care sector, aiming for high-quality care that goes beyond basic compliance.

Specific Examples Of What
The Statement Of Principles Covers

  • Older people first:
    The system should prioritize the needs and preferences of older people in the planning and delivery of care.
  • Respect for individual circumstances:
    Individuals should be treated with respect and understanding, taking into account their unique circumstances, needs, and preferences.
  • Support for decision-making:
    Older people should be supported to make informed decisions about their care and to have their choices respected.
  • Equitable access to care:
    Individuals should have equitable access to culturally appropriate and quality aged care services.
  • Freedom from harm:
    Individuals should be free from all forms of mistreatment, neglect, and harm.

How the Statement of Principles differs from
the Statement of Rights

While both statements are crucial to the new Act, they serve different purposes. 

The Statement of Rights focuses on the specific rights that older people have when accessing aged care services, while the Statement of Principles provides overarching guidance on how the entire system should operate to uphold those rights and ensure the wellbeing of older people. 

In essence, the Statement of Principles is a roadmap for creating a person-centered, rights-based, and high-quality aged care system in Australia. 

For updated information, please refer to the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission Site:
https://www.agedcarequality.gov.au/older-australians/reform-changes-older-people/statement-rights