What ARAS can assist with
ARAS Aboriginal Advocates can provide information and advocacy support about a range of aged care matters, including:
- accessing aged care services;
- understanding aged care rights and entitlements;
- Support at Home and Commonwealth Home Support Programme services;
- residential aged care;
- service agreements and care plans;
- changes, reductions or concerns about services;
- concerns about whether services meet the older person's needs;
- culturally safe and culturally appropriate care;
- cultural or communication barriers affecting access to services;
- communicating with aged care providers, staff or management;
- participating in decisions about care and services;
- raising concerns, providing feedback or making complaints;
- accessing appropriate Aboriginal-specific or mainstream services; and
- concerns about abuse or mistreatment.
Abuse of Older People
ARAS Aboriginal Advocates can support First Nations Elders and older people who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, abuse.
Support may include information about rights, options and strategies to safeguard the older person's rights, wellbeing and safety and reduce risks associated with abuse.
Abuse may include physical, psychological or emotional, financial, sexual or social abuse and neglect.
The older person's rights, wishes, preferences and safety remain central to the advocacy support provided.
Financial Advocacy support
Where there are concerns about aged care fees, charges or costs, ARAS can provide specialist Financial Advocacy support.
Financial Advocacy can assist older people to understand aged care fees and charges, statements, invoices and bills, identify unexpected charges or discrepancies, understand financial hardship options and address concerns or disputes relating to aged care fees and charges.
ARAS Financial Advocates are not financial advisers, financial planners or financial counsellors and do not provide financial or legal advice.
Financial Advocacy Services flyer
