What can an advocate do?
Overview of representation
If an older person is unable or unwilling to talk to My Aged Care, you may wish to help them set up a representative. For most older people this would be a family member, carer or friend. However, any individual, including someone who works for a service provider can become a regular representative for someone in My Aged Care, with the client’s consent.
What a representative can do:
A representative for someone in My Aged Care is able to speak and act for the client including:
An advocate can:
ADA Australia supports a variety of clients in the aged and disability sectors including people from special needs groups. We deliver high quality advocacy, guardianship support and education services to older people and people with disability. Where possible, ADA Australia will refer you to the appropriate service when we are unable to assist. If you are unsure if ADA Australia can help you, please call us on 1800 818 338.
Thanks to a funding boost from the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP), we have been providing disability advocacy support to individuals in the Gold Coast and Central Queensland regions since early November 2018.
Our new disability advocates will assist eligible people to address concerns regarding disability discrimination, abuse and neglect. Their role is to listen and provide support to people who feel their fundamental needs are not being met. Advocates will provide people living with disability with options and information to help them express their views and articulate their concerns.
Eligible individuals can be any age, with a disability that is permanent or likely to be permanent, which reduces their capacity for communication, learning or mobility, and means they have a need for on-going services. This includes, but is not limited to, physical, cognitive, sensory, learning or neurological disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, an acquired brain injury, and psychiatric or mental health illnesses.
At this stage, only residents of the Gold Coast and Central Queensland regions are eligible for this service through ADA Australia. If you live in one of these areas and would like to talk to one of our disability advocates, please contact us on 1800 818 338.
ADA AUSTRALIA NOW OFFERS NDAP DISABILITY ADVOCACY SUPPORT: https://adaaustralia.com.au/disability-advocacy/
We provide Information and Individual advocacy to people living with disability and experiencing Instances of abuse,neglect or discrimination.
Eligible clients:
ADA Australia offer a large collection of resources. Go to ADA Australia Resources or Aged and Disability Resources for helpful links and downloads.
Guardianship Resources: https://adaaustralia.com.au/guardianship/guardianship-resources/
Our resources are available to assist you with EPOA and QCAT matters.
Disability Advocacy Flyer: https://adaaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/NADP-Marketing-Flyer-web.pdf
* * * * * * * * *
ADA Australia has launched an innovative new information guide to support services for seniors. The app, Seniors Guide to Qld Help, is designed specifically for older Queenslanders and those who support them.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission conducts quality reviews of home services to assess whether a provider delivers services in accordance with the applicable aged care quality standards. Home services provide support to help people stay at home and be more independent with their day-to-day activities and in the community.
Our role is to protect and enhance the safety, health, well-being and quality of life of people receiving aged care. We promote high quality care and services to safeguard everyone who is receiving Australian Government funded aged care.
We independently accredit, assess and monitor aged care services subsidised by the Australian Government. We also resolve complaints about these services. Through our engagement and education work we aim to build confidence and trust in aged care, empower consumers, support providers to comply with quality standards, and promote best practice service provision.
The Commission replaces the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner. Combining these functions into one independent agency strengthens the focus on consumers, streamlines regulation, supports better engagement with consumers and providers, and promotes transparency.
From 1 January 2020, aged care approval and compliance functions will transfer to us from the Department of Health.
The Commission’s vision is for a world-class aged care service driven by empowered consumers who enjoy the best possible quality of life. As an Australian public service agency, we share the values of the broader public service, including impartiality, commitment to service, accountability, respect and ethical behaviour. The priorities of safety, quality and informed consumer choice are at the heart of Australian aged care reform.
The information on this page is for home services; this includes home care services, Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services and flexible care services through which short-term restorative care is provided in a home care setting.
19 July 2019
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An advocate’s role is to provide support to assist you in making a complaint, talking to us or helping with any of our services. It is a free confidential service. They can stand beside you or work on your behalf, at your direction, in a way that represents your expressed wishes. An advocate will always seek your permission before taking action.
An advocate can:
You can call the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600.
8am - 8pm Monday to Friday. This number will connect you with the aged care advocacy organisation in your state or territory.
OPAN supports older persons and their representatives to effectively access and interact with Australian Government funded aged care services and have their rights protected. OPAN is made up of nine state and territory based service delivery organisations.
Older Persons Advocacy Network organisations assist older people, including their families and representatives:
Commonwealth funded aged care services that we can provide advocacy support for include:
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Mental Health Care Decisions
Guardianship Resources - ADA Australia
Mental Health Directive: https://www.publicguardian.qld.gov.au/health-decisions/mental-health-care-decisions
Statutory Health Authority: https://www.publicguardian.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/490565/opg-factsheet-statutory-health-attorney.pdf
We may also be able to assist you to explore available care options by;
ADA AUSTRALIA NOW OFFERS NDAP DISABILITY ADVOCACY SUPPORT: https://adaaustralia.com.au/disability-advocacy/
Please note that ADA Australia cannot recommend which home care provider or aged care facility you should choose, or provide financial or legal advice.
Advocacy at ADA Australia - Our advocacy services are:
Advocacy services
If you’re concerned about the quality of your home care or aged care services and want to speak to someone about this, an advocacy service may be able to help, offering advice and supporting you in your caring role.
Advocacy services are free, confidential and independent.
Who can get support through an advocacy service?
Anyone receiving aged care services can get advice and support from an advocacy service. This includes people who:
ABOUT ADA AUSTRALIA
Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA Australia) is a not-for-profit, independent, community based advocacy and education service with more than 25 years’ experience in supporting and improving the well being of older people and people with disability.
CONTACT
Brisbane - Head Office
121 Copperfield Street, Geebung, QLD 4034
Tel: (07) 3637 6000
Fax: (07) 3637 6001
Email: [email protected]
TOLL FREE: 1800 818 338 Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
--------------------
How are YOU coping? No, I mean Seriously... Take the Carergiver Strain Index:
http://www.brisbanenorthphn.org.au/content/Document/Pathways/Caregiver%20Strain%20Index.pdf
While many family caregivers find their role to be deeply satisfying, many also neglect their own health in order to meet the needs of chronically ill family members. They can experience severe stress, and research indicates that caregivers often have health problems, take more medications than noncaregivers and experience depression.
For a hypothetical results of the Peters family's strain assessment at the time of Mr. Peters's fall and broken wrist, go to the Modified Carer Strain Index. The scores show the husband to be suffering from extreme strain, closely followed by the daughter who's his main backup. The other two children also show evidence of strain, but not to the same degree.
Gold Coast Disability Advocacy Inc.
Providing independent, individual advocacy to people with disability to ensure that fundamental needs are met. To all people with disability.
Phone: 07 55640355
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://disabilityadvocacyfinder.dss.gov.au/disability/ndap/
Address – access Google maps
Shop 6/18 Ferry St
Nerang 4211 QLD
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold Coast Community Legal Centre & Advice Bureau Inc
34 Railway Street, SOUTHPORT QLD 4215
(07) 5532 9611
https://www.gcclc.org.au/
An information and referral service on a wide range of issues.
Also a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL Legal Service is provided. Phone for an appointment on Mon-Fri from 8.30am-4.00pm.
General Legal Assistance & Information
We are a free Community Legal Centre staffed by qualified solicitors. We provide legal advice ad assistance by appointment at our main office in Southport and also at outreaches around the Gold Coast. ...
We provide legal advice, information and referral across the Gold Coast at 12 locations:
*Information and referral
*Legal Advice
*Service Delivery Methods
*Drop in legal advice consultation Areas of Law
*Child Contact and Residency
*Child Protection
*Child Support
*Child/Spousal Maintenance
*Consumer Complaints
*Contracts
*Credit
*Debt
*Disability
*Divorce and Separation
*DNA Testing
*Domestic Violence
*Drug Offences
*Employment
*Environment and Planning
*Family Violence
*Human Rights
*Immigration
*Incorporated Associations
*Insurance
*Mental Health
*Motor Vehicle Offences
*Neighbourhood Disputes
*Offences against persons
*Offences against property/other
*Paternity
*Pensions and Allowances / Social Security
*Property
*Public Nuisance
*Tenancy
*Wills and Estates
23 March 2020
General Advocacy:
You may be eligible to receive general advocacy support for service-related issues if you:
Who can access advocacy services?
Anyone receiving or looking to receive Australian Government funded aged care services can use an advocacy service, including people who:
General Advocacy - To be able to give you advice, we need to speak with you. If you are unable to reach us, please leave a message. We will call you back.
Information and Advice Line - Between 9.30-4pm Monday to Friday. Free Call: 1800 818 338
ADA Australia provides general advocacy support to current and potential recipients of Community Care or Australian Government funded aged care services. With permission, we can also provide support to the carers or representative of a person receiving the above services.
Our general advocacy services may be able to assist you to:
ADA Australia Resources
https://adaaustralia.com.au/resources/ada-resources/
What is Advocacy?
Advocacy is the process of supporting an individual to be heard.
The individual is placed at the center of this process and is supported to:
We provide a wide range of resources on this website for your access. This page offers resources that promote ADA Australia and explain how ADA Australia can support clients. To find other party resources that help you to know about your rights and responsibilities, accessing home or residential care and many other related topics go to Other Resources. For other resources related to guardianship and administration matters go to Guardianship Resources.
Overview of representation
If an older person is unable or unwilling to talk to My Aged Care, you may wish to help them set up a representative. For most older people this would be a family member, carer or friend. However, any individual, including someone who works for a service provider can become a regular representative for someone in My Aged Care, with the client’s consent.
What a representative can do:
A representative for someone in My Aged Care is able to speak and act for the client including:
- give information to My Aged Care about the client including talking to assessors, the My Aged Care contact centre and service providers
- get information about a client’s progress in My Aged Care
- make decisions about aged care assessment and referrals for aged care services
- see and update client information through the contact centre or on the My Aged Care client record on myGov
- be listed as the client’s primary contact so they can be the first contact point for My Aged Care.
An advocate can:
- give you information about your rights and responsibilities
- listen to your concerns. Don't worry about explaining in some detail. It's often the Best Way so they can understand the problem and help.
- help you resolve problems or complaints with your home care or aged care service provider
- speak with your service provider if you wish
- go with you when you speak with your service provider
- refer you to other agencies when needed e.g. the New Aged Care Complaints Commissioner (from 1st January 2016) - read more down this page.
ADA Australia supports a variety of clients in the aged and disability sectors including people from special needs groups. We deliver high quality advocacy, guardianship support and education services to older people and people with disability. Where possible, ADA Australia will refer you to the appropriate service when we are unable to assist. If you are unsure if ADA Australia can help you, please call us on 1800 818 338.
Thanks to a funding boost from the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP), we have been providing disability advocacy support to individuals in the Gold Coast and Central Queensland regions since early November 2018.
Our new disability advocates will assist eligible people to address concerns regarding disability discrimination, abuse and neglect. Their role is to listen and provide support to people who feel their fundamental needs are not being met. Advocates will provide people living with disability with options and information to help them express their views and articulate their concerns.
Eligible individuals can be any age, with a disability that is permanent or likely to be permanent, which reduces their capacity for communication, learning or mobility, and means they have a need for on-going services. This includes, but is not limited to, physical, cognitive, sensory, learning or neurological disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delays, an acquired brain injury, and psychiatric or mental health illnesses.
At this stage, only residents of the Gold Coast and Central Queensland regions are eligible for this service through ADA Australia. If you live in one of these areas and would like to talk to one of our disability advocates, please contact us on 1800 818 338.
ADA AUSTRALIA NOW OFFERS NDAP DISABILITY ADVOCACY SUPPORT: https://adaaustralia.com.au/disability-advocacy/
We provide Information and Individual advocacy to people living with disability and experiencing Instances of abuse,neglect or discrimination.
Eligible clients:
- Eligible clients for this Disability Advocacy service are people of any age, with a permanent or likely to be permanent disability, which results in substantially reduced capacity for communication, learning or mobility and the need for ongoing support services.This includes, but is not limited to: physical, cognitive, sensory, learning or neurological disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental delay, Acquired Brain Injury, psychiatric or mental health illness.
ADA Australia offer a large collection of resources. Go to ADA Australia Resources or Aged and Disability Resources for helpful links and downloads.
Guardianship Resources: https://adaaustralia.com.au/guardianship/guardianship-resources/
Our resources are available to assist you with EPOA and QCAT matters.
Disability Advocacy Flyer: https://adaaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/NADP-Marketing-Flyer-web.pdf
* * * * * * * * *
ADA Australia has launched an innovative new information guide to support services for seniors. The app, Seniors Guide to Qld Help, is designed specifically for older Queenslanders and those who support them.
- The free resource provides information about a broad range of topics, including:
- aged care,
- transport,
- housing and
- neighbour disputes,
- family and finances,
- elder abuse,
- consumer issues,
- community access,
- future planning and
- decision-making.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission conducts quality reviews of home services to assess whether a provider delivers services in accordance with the applicable aged care quality standards. Home services provide support to help people stay at home and be more independent with their day-to-day activities and in the community.
Our role is to protect and enhance the safety, health, well-being and quality of life of people receiving aged care. We promote high quality care and services to safeguard everyone who is receiving Australian Government funded aged care.
We independently accredit, assess and monitor aged care services subsidised by the Australian Government. We also resolve complaints about these services. Through our engagement and education work we aim to build confidence and trust in aged care, empower consumers, support providers to comply with quality standards, and promote best practice service provision.
The Commission replaces the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner. Combining these functions into one independent agency strengthens the focus on consumers, streamlines regulation, supports better engagement with consumers and providers, and promotes transparency.
From 1 January 2020, aged care approval and compliance functions will transfer to us from the Department of Health.
The Commission’s vision is for a world-class aged care service driven by empowered consumers who enjoy the best possible quality of life. As an Australian public service agency, we share the values of the broader public service, including impartiality, commitment to service, accountability, respect and ethical behaviour. The priorities of safety, quality and informed consumer choice are at the heart of Australian aged care reform.
The information on this page is for home services; this includes home care services, Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) services and flexible care services through which short-term restorative care is provided in a home care setting.
19 July 2019
= - = - = - = - = - = - = -
An advocate’s role is to provide support to assist you in making a complaint, talking to us or helping with any of our services. It is a free confidential service. They can stand beside you or work on your behalf, at your direction, in a way that represents your expressed wishes. An advocate will always seek your permission before taking action.
An advocate can:
- support you in making decisions that affect your quality of life
- provide you with information about your rights and responsibilities, and discuss your options for taking action
- support you when you raise an issue with us or the service provider
- support you at any stage of the complaints process.
You can call the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600.
8am - 8pm Monday to Friday. This number will connect you with the aged care advocacy organisation in your state or territory.
OPAN supports older persons and their representatives to effectively access and interact with Australian Government funded aged care services and have their rights protected. OPAN is made up of nine state and territory based service delivery organisations.
Older Persons Advocacy Network organisations assist older people, including their families and representatives:
- who are receiving Commonwealth-funded aged care services; or
- who are seeking to receive Commonwealth-funded aged care services.
Commonwealth funded aged care services that we can provide advocacy support for include:
- Residential aged care
- Home Care Packages
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme services (CHSP)
- The Commonwealth Continuity of Support (CoS) Programme
- Commonwealth-funded dementia services
- Flexible care services, including: the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program, the Innovation Pool Program, Multi-purpose services, Transition care and Short-term restorative care.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Mental Health Care Decisions
Guardianship Resources - ADA Australia
Mental Health Directive: https://www.publicguardian.qld.gov.au/health-decisions/mental-health-care-decisions
Statutory Health Authority: https://www.publicguardian.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/490565/opg-factsheet-statutory-health-attorney.pdf
We may also be able to assist you to explore available care options by;
- Making and following up on referrals
- Supporting you at assessments
- Identifying local home care providers and aged care facilities
- Explaining financial assessments and fees.
ADA AUSTRALIA NOW OFFERS NDAP DISABILITY ADVOCACY SUPPORT: https://adaaustralia.com.au/disability-advocacy/
Please note that ADA Australia cannot recommend which home care provider or aged care facility you should choose, or provide financial or legal advice.
Advocacy at ADA Australia - Our advocacy services are:
- Client directed – Our services are directed by you. We won’t make decisions for you, but we can support you to understand your options and communicate your preferences. We will take direction from you in relation to what you feel comfortable doing about your issue.
- Confidential – Our advocates will always seek your permission before discussing your situation or concerns with anyone else. We will also try to ensure your confidentiality is maintained by being discrete when calling you on the phone or visiting you in person.
- Personal – Our services are offered face-to-face, where possible. We work with individuals, not issues.
Advocacy services
If you’re concerned about the quality of your home care or aged care services and want to speak to someone about this, an advocacy service may be able to help, offering advice and supporting you in your caring role.
Advocacy services are free, confidential and independent.
Who can get support through an advocacy service?
Anyone receiving aged care services can get advice and support from an advocacy service. This includes people who:
- receive residential care
- receive a Home Care Package
- receive transition care
- have been assessed by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
- have previously received an aged care service
- are representing the interests of the person receiving aged care services.
- Assistance with care planning: A consumer may wish to have another person, such as a carer or family member, with them to help them during the development of their care plan. A consumer has the right to call on an advocate of their choice to represent them in their dealings with you.
- Services provided by an advocate may include:
- • establishing or reviewing the Home Care Agreement, care plan and individualized budget
- • negotiating the administration costs you (the approved provider) may charge to the package budget
- • presenting any complaints the consumer may have.
ABOUT ADA AUSTRALIA
Aged and Disability Advocacy Australia (ADA Australia) is a not-for-profit, independent, community based advocacy and education service with more than 25 years’ experience in supporting and improving the well being of older people and people with disability.
CONTACT
Brisbane - Head Office
121 Copperfield Street, Geebung, QLD 4034
Tel: (07) 3637 6000
Fax: (07) 3637 6001
Email: [email protected]
TOLL FREE: 1800 818 338 Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
--------------------
How are YOU coping? No, I mean Seriously... Take the Carergiver Strain Index:
http://www.brisbanenorthphn.org.au/content/Document/Pathways/Caregiver%20Strain%20Index.pdf
While many family caregivers find their role to be deeply satisfying, many also neglect their own health in order to meet the needs of chronically ill family members. They can experience severe stress, and research indicates that caregivers often have health problems, take more medications than noncaregivers and experience depression.
For a hypothetical results of the Peters family's strain assessment at the time of Mr. Peters's fall and broken wrist, go to the Modified Carer Strain Index. The scores show the husband to be suffering from extreme strain, closely followed by the daughter who's his main backup. The other two children also show evidence of strain, but not to the same degree.
Gold Coast Disability Advocacy Inc.
Providing independent, individual advocacy to people with disability to ensure that fundamental needs are met. To all people with disability.
Phone: 07 55640355
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://disabilityadvocacyfinder.dss.gov.au/disability/ndap/
Address – access Google maps
Shop 6/18 Ferry St
Nerang 4211 QLD
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold Coast Community Legal Centre & Advice Bureau Inc
34 Railway Street, SOUTHPORT QLD 4215
(07) 5532 9611
https://www.gcclc.org.au/
An information and referral service on a wide range of issues.
Also a FREE, CONFIDENTIAL Legal Service is provided. Phone for an appointment on Mon-Fri from 8.30am-4.00pm.
General Legal Assistance & Information
We are a free Community Legal Centre staffed by qualified solicitors. We provide legal advice ad assistance by appointment at our main office in Southport and also at outreaches around the Gold Coast. ...
We provide legal advice, information and referral across the Gold Coast at 12 locations:
*Information and referral
*Legal Advice
*Service Delivery Methods
*Drop in legal advice consultation Areas of Law
*Child Contact and Residency
*Child Protection
*Child Support
*Child/Spousal Maintenance
*Consumer Complaints
*Contracts
*Credit
*Debt
*Disability
*Divorce and Separation
*DNA Testing
*Domestic Violence
*Drug Offences
*Employment
*Environment and Planning
*Family Violence
*Human Rights
*Immigration
*Incorporated Associations
*Insurance
*Mental Health
*Motor Vehicle Offences
*Neighbourhood Disputes
*Offences against persons
*Offences against property/other
*Paternity
*Pensions and Allowances / Social Security
*Property
*Public Nuisance
*Tenancy
*Wills and Estates
23 March 2020
- Download flyer - ADA at a glance: https://adaaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NADP-Marketing-Flyer-web.pdf
General Advocacy:
You may be eligible to receive general advocacy support for service-related issues if you:
- Receive or seek access to a Queensland Community Care or Australian Government funded aged care service
- Are the carer or representative of a person receiving the above services and have the client’s/resident’s permission to engage with us on their behalf.
Who can access advocacy services?
Anyone receiving or looking to receive Australian Government funded aged care services can use an advocacy service, including people who:
- live in an aged care home
- receive aged care services in their own home, for example through a home care package or the Commonwealth Home Support Programme
- receive transition care
- have previously received an aged care service
- are helping someone who is receiving aged care services.
- https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/quality-and-complaints/advocacy-services
- Call the National Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600 (freecall) 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday or visit the Older Persons Advocacy Network website to find out more about advocacy services.
General Advocacy - To be able to give you advice, we need to speak with you. If you are unable to reach us, please leave a message. We will call you back.
Information and Advice Line - Between 9.30-4pm Monday to Friday. Free Call: 1800 818 338
ADA Australia provides general advocacy support to current and potential recipients of Community Care or Australian Government funded aged care services. With permission, we can also provide support to the carers or representative of a person receiving the above services.
Our general advocacy services may be able to assist you to:
- Understand your rights and responsibilities)
- Raise and address care related concerns
- Communicate your preferences
- Understand your service agreement, fees, statements and budgets
- Review and negotiate your care plan
- Research care and equipment options; and
- Make referrals for assessments and additional services.
ADA Australia Resources
https://adaaustralia.com.au/resources/ada-resources/
What is Advocacy?
Advocacy is the process of supporting an individual to be heard.
The individual is placed at the center of this process and is supported to:
- Understand and exercise their rights; and
- Participate, to their maximum ability, in conversations and decisions affecting their life.
We provide a wide range of resources on this website for your access. This page offers resources that promote ADA Australia and explain how ADA Australia can support clients. To find other party resources that help you to know about your rights and responsibilities, accessing home or residential care and many other related topics go to Other Resources. For other resources related to guardianship and administration matters go to Guardianship Resources.