Your Rights in Aged Care
Statement of Rights under the Aged Care Act 2024
About Your Rights
Under Australian law, everyone receiving aged care services has fundamental rights. These rights are protected by the Aged Care Act 2024 and enforced by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
VitalStart is committed to upholding these rights for every person we serve. If you feel your rights are not being respected, you have the right to speak up.
The 14 Aged Care Rights
Safe and high quality care and services
You have the right to receive care that is safe, of high quality, and meets your needs.
Be treated with dignity and respect
You have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and without discrimination.
Have your identity, culture, and diversity valued and supported
Your identity, culture, language, religion, and life experiences will be respected and valued.
Live without abuse, neglect and exploitation
You have the right to be safe from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Be informed about your care and services
You have the right to be given clear, timely information about your care in a way you can understand.
Access all information about yourself
You have the right to access all information about yourself, including your care records.
Have control over and make choices about your care
You have the right to make informed choices about your care, including who provides your care.
Have control over and make decisions about your finances
You have the right to understand and control your finances relating to your care.
Your personal privacy maintained and supported
Your right to privacy will be respected in all aspects of your care.
Make a complaint freely and without retribution
You can raise concerns without fear of negative consequences to your care.
Have complaints dealt with fairly and promptly
Any complaint you make will be addressed in a fair, timely, and transparent manner.
Have a person of your choice support you
You can have someone support you or speak on your behalf at any time.
Get help from an advocacy agency
You have the right to access free, independent advocacy services at any time.
Leave a service when you choose
You can exit a service without penalty and receive assistance to transition.
Free Advocacy Support
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) provides free, independent advocacy services to help you understand and exercise your rights.
1800 700 600
Free call • Available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Making a Complaint
If you have concerns about the care you're receiving, you have several options:
Speak to VitalStart directly
Contact us or use our complaints form
Get free advocacy support
Call OPAN on 1800 700 600
Contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
1800 951 822 or agedcarequality.gov.au
This Statement of Rights is available in other formats upon request, including large print and translated versions.
Last updated: January 2026