How ARAS can assist
ARAS Aboriginal Advocates can provide culturally informed information and advocacy support to assist First Nations Elders and older people to:
- understand their aged care rights, entitlements, services and options;
- understand and access Australian Government-funded aged care services;
- navigate My Aged Care and the aged care system;
- understand information about care and services;
- have their identity, culture, wishes, preferences and individual circumstances recognised and respected;
- participate in decisions about their care and services;
- communicate with aged care providers, staff or management;
- raise concerns about culturally appropriate and culturally safe care;
- understand and respond to changes in care or services;
- review concerns relating to care plans or service arrangements;
- raise concerns, provide feedback or make complaints;
- explore options and strategies to address concerns;
- speak up and self-advocate, where appropriate; and
- access appropriate services and referrals.
ARAS Aboriginal Advocates can also work with family members and representatives where appropriate, while keeping the rights, wishes and preferences of the older person central to the advocacy provided.
Communication and Cultural Support
ARAS Aboriginal Advocates recognise that communication needs and preferences differ between individuals and communities.
Support may include providing information verbally and in plain language, allowing additional time to understand information and make decisions, and checking the older person's understanding, consent and preferences directly.
Where required, ARAS can arrange access to professional interpreter services.
Information and Education
ARAS Aboriginal Advocacy provides information and education to First Nations Elders and older people, families, communities and service providers.
Information and education may cover:
- aged care rights and entitlements;
- aged care advocacy;
- accessing aged care services;
- culturally safe and appropriate aged care;
- abuse of older people and prevention strategies; and
- safeguards that support positive ageing.
ARAS Aboriginal Advocates also provide information sessions across South Australia, including rural and remote areas.
