It’s important that older people are heard and included in the delivery of their care. As part of the reforms to the aged care system, changes have already been introduced to improve the way services are run (provider governance) and include specific responsibilities for approved providers.
One of these responsibilities requires providers to offer to set up a consumer advisory body at least once a year. Consumer advisory bodies are there to support you, your family or representatives to have a say on the way services and care are provided by your aged care provider.
A consumer advisory body provides direct feedback on your experiences to the governing board, and ensures you have input to the resolution of issues.
If you’re not sure if your aged care service has a consumer advisory body, ask your provider. They must offer to set up a body at least once a year, if one is not already in place.
For more information on consumer advisory bodies including how to join visit Consumer advisory bodies.
For more information on the full suite of provider governance reforms watch Strengthening provider governance.
