Advocacy for older people

An advocate can support you to:

• Make a decision for yourself
• Make your voice heard
• Stand up for your rights
• Protect and promote your interests
• Speak on your behalf

An advocate can offer suggestions and information about options, but the final decision will always be yours. The Active Ageing & Community Access unit encourages you to use an advocate when raising issues that make you feel overwhelmed, intimidated or unsure about your rights. You may also want to use an advocate if you are making a complaint or during the assessment or review process.

You can choose your own advocate or we will assist you to contact an independent advocacy agency. Information is not shared or provided to your advocate unless we have your consent to do so. You can change your advocate or stop using an advocate at any time. Please contact the Active Ageing & Community Access unit if you want to change or stop using your advocate.

Organisations that can assist you with advocacy or provide you with an advocate are listed below:

Organisation	Contact details
Aged Care Information Line	1800 500 853     TTY 1800 555 677 www.health.gov.au/agedcareadvocacy(link is external)
Council on the Ageing Seniors Info Line	1300 305 090
Office of the Public Advocate	1300 309 337
Aged Care advocacy – free and confidential service promoting the rights of people receiving aged care services Advocacy service can: Provide you with information and advice about your rights and responsibilities Support you to be involved in decisions affecting your life Assist you to resolve problems or complaints in relation to aged care services Promote the rights of older people to the wider community	Freecall- 1800 700 600
Seniors Rights	E-mail: info@seniorsrights.org.au Web: www.seniorsrights.org.au(link is external) Helpline 1300 368 821 Monday-Friday 10am – 5pm