New Aged Care Act and Volunteering in Aged Care – What volunteers need to know

Introduction

This booklet provides essential information about the upcoming changes under the new Aged Care Act (2024). Developed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the booklet aims to help volunteers understand what will change and what will remain the same, ensuring they can continue to provide high-quality, respectful, and rights-based support to older people. The booklet emphasises the importance of volunteers in the aged care system, highlighting their contributions to positive outcomes such as increased mental health and wellbeing, social connectedness, reduced isolation, and ageing in place.

Benefits for Volunteer Managers

For volunteer managers, the new Act brings several benefits. It emphasises a rights-based approach to aged care, placing the rights, dignity, preferences, and needs of older people at the centre of care and support. This approach requires volunteers to be aware of and follow the Statement of Rights for older people, ensuring that their interactions are respectful and empowering. Additionally, the new Act includes expanded whistleblower protections, allowing volunteers to report concerns without fear of reprisal. The Act also highlights the necessity for appropriate training and support for volunteers, ensuring they can undertake their roles safely and confidently.

Application by Volunteer Involving Organisations

Volunteer-involving organisations can apply the information in this booklet to enhance their volunteer programs. The new Act requires all aged care providers to register under a universal registration system, which includes specific categories based on the type, complexity, and risk of the services provided. Organisations must ensure their volunteers comply with the Aged Care Code of Conduct, which outlines expected behaviour to ensure the safety, dignity, and respect of older people. Furthermore, the new Act emphasises the importance of continuous improvement and encourages organisations to provide feedback and suggestions on how to better support volunteers in their roles. By adhering to these guidelines, volunteer-involving organisations can ensure they provide high-quality, rights-based care to older people.