The Aged Care Act 2024 places older people at the centre of aged care. It strengthens your rights, supports your independence, and helps to make sure you receive safe, respectful and high-quality care.
Your rights and preferences should guide the care you receive, whether you receive care at home, in the community, after a hospital stay or in a residential aged care home.
The following services at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) operate under the Act:
Rights-based Act
The Aged Care Act 2024 includes a Statement of Rights that all government-funded aged care providers must uphold.
You have the right to:
- make decisions about your life and care
- choose the services and supports that best meet your needs
- receive safe, high-quality care and services
- be treated with dignity, kindness and respect
- have your privacy and personal information protected
- receive information in a way you can understand
- raise concerns or make a complaint without fear of repercussions
- stay connected with family, friends, carers and community
- access support from an advocate or a person of your choosing
What you can expect from us
We are committed to delivering care that:
- respects your rights, choices and preferences
- involves you in decisions about your care
- supports your independence wherever possible
- provides clear information about services and costs
- listens to your feedback and concerns
- responds to complaints promptly and fairly
- supports access to advocacy and support services
Cultural safety, diversity and inclusion
Everyone has the right to receive aged care that respects who they are, regardless of their identity, culture, beliefs, language, life experience and personal preferences.
The Aged Care Act recognises that quality care should be culturally safe, inclusive and person-centred. That means you have the right to:
- be treated with dignity and respect regardless of your culture, language, religion, gender, sexuality or life experience
- receive information in a language or format that you understand
- access interpreters or communication supports if required
- have your cultural, spiritual and religious practices respected
- receive care that recognises the impact of trauma and significant life experiences
- maintain connections with family, community and the people who matter to you
Our commitment
We're committed to providing culturally safe and inclusive care for:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- LGBTIQA+ people
- people of all faiths and spiritual traditions
- veterans
- people living with disability
- people with diverse life experiences and backgrounds
Speak with our staff if you'd like an interpreter, cultural support, spiritual care, or help communicating your preferences.
Raising a concern
We welcome feedback and encourage you to tell us if something isn't right.
You have the right to:
- raise concerns without fear of being treated differently
- make a complaint
- receive a fair and timely response
- access an independent advocate for support
If something isn't right, tell your care team or contact our Consumer Liaison through one of the methods listed on our Providing feedback page.
You can also access an independent advocate for support (see External support listed below).
You can make a whistleblowing disclosure if you believe the RMH has breached, or intends to breach, the Aged Care Act (for example, a serious safety or conduct issue).
This is a separate, legally protected process where your identity is kept confidential, you're protected from any form of retaliation, and you can remain anonymous if you choose.
External support and advocacy
Older Persons Advocacy Network
Free, independent and confidential support to older people seeking or receiving government-funded aged care services.
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
National aged care regulator of Commonwealth-funded aged care services. You can contact the Commission if your concern isn't resolved by the RMH directly.
Support for people to learn about and access Australian Government-funded aged care services at any stage of the process.