A Portarlington forum will help residents understand their rights under the federal aged care legislation, with changes coming later in the year.
Positive ageing action group, Staying in Portarlington, will present its Aged Care Reform Forum at Portarlington Senior Citizens Club at 65 Newcombe Street from 2pm on Monday, June 16.
President Jenny Wills said the event was an information session to educate people on the rights of older people within the community.
“The rights of people are being put to the centre and there’ll be greater respect for older peoples positions and planning around them,” she said.
“People need to be aware of their rights and how to assert them. Under the new legislation, there’ll be an avenue for people to follow them up and complain to a commissioner, which will be good.
“I hope people take away an awareness that they are in a different situation. They have these new rights, and the legislation enactment or implementations have now been delayed a few months.
“So, it gives people a bit of time to really think through and talk with their families and friends about what it means for them.”
The upcoming legislation changes require in-home and residential service providers to respect the rights and dignity of older people following evidence of aged care neglect exposed by the Royal Commission into Aged Care.
The forum will feature a presentation from Elder Rights Victoria’s Felicity Thyer, who will share stories of people protecting their rights.
The information session also follows on from City of Greater Geelong’s decision last month to remain as an aged care provider after its proposal to stop providing aged home care services.
Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said it was important that everyone knew their rights and how the new legislation would affect them.
“This council was voted in to listen to and advocate on behalf of the community we serve, and that’s what we’ve done,” he said.
“It’s been heartwarming to hear so many stories from people who have told us about how this service makes a difference in their lives every single day.”
