Why is advocacy important?
The current Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety demonstrates there is a need for strong, independent and experienced professionals to advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable in our community.
Hiring a lawyer may not be the right choice for every advocacy scenario. It may be seen as inappropriate, too adversarial or too expensive. Instead, Social Work Consultants experienced in advocacy and aged care may be able to better help you negotiate with care providers, write letters, conduct research and advocate on your behalf.
How CareAssist can help
We work alongside you to help:
- represent your interests
- exercise your rights
- express your views
- explore all of your options; and
- make informed choices.
What does this look like in practical terms? Activities may include
- Assessing services for their compliance with relevant legislation and codes of practice (e.g. reviewing hygiene and clinical care if you're unsure of what to look for)
- Engaging with relevant organisations on behalf of individuals and families to help problem-solve, to prevent a complaint being lodged
- Lodging a complaint about the level of service received in the home or in a facility
It can also be as simple as visiting an individual to see if their needs are being met and discussing ways to make improvements.
Step 1. Phone consultation
A 15-minute informal, obligation-free conversation to help you determine if CareAssist is right for you and your family.
Step 2. Assessment
A meeting of up to 2 hours is held either face-to-face or via telephone/Skype to:
- Assess your needs
- Outline types of care available in Australia
- Explain aged care fees and payment structures
- Answer your initial questions
- Help determine how we can best work with you.
Step 3. Work alongside you as an independent advocate
We work alongside you to advocate for your needs; whether it be within your home, hospital or aged care facility.
Independent Social Workers with over 20 years of experience 