Aged care consumers and their loved ones will now have a stronger voice in the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) with the launch of a new Consumers and Families Panel.
Made up of people receiving Commonwealth Government-funded aged care services, as well as their families and representatives, the panel will help put their feedback “front and centre” of the ACQSC’s work. Members will be invited to share opinions and ideas on:
- issues that are of most concern to people receiving care that the Commission should know about;
- how the Commission can reach people better;
- how people can be better supported to interact with the Commission; and
- videos or other resources prepared by the Commission.
“It is very important that the panel is as diverse as the people who use Australian Government-funded aged care,” said Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner Janet Anderson (pictured).
“We are inviting anyone living in residential aged care or receiving home care or using Commonwealth-funded aged care services in the community to share their ideas and opinions with us. We’re also interested in hearing from family members and carers of aged care recipients, and people who are considering using aged care services within the next 12 months.”
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has welcomed the news, with CEO Craig Gear saying it will offer valuable insight to the ACQSC.
“Older people must be consulted at every step of the aged care journey to ensure their rights, needs and preferences are being met.
“The Consumers and Families Panel will enable older people and their families to better engage with, and inform, the aged care regulator. Their lived experience is critical to ensuring all older people receive the care and services they deserve,” he said.
For more information or to register interest in the panel, visit www.agedcarequality.gov.au/consumer-panel; concerns about aged care can be raised via 1800 951 822 or at the ACQSC’s website.
