From 1 July 2025, older people will have stronger protections under a new rights-based Aged Care Act.
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Our national team of advocates is available Monday to Friday 8am–8pm and Saturday 10am-4pm 

What is supported decision-making?

    Supported decision-making toolkit

    Your decisions, your care - know your rights and options

    Everyone has the right to make decisions about their life, including the support and services they receive from aged care. Some older people may want and need support to make these decisions. Explore the topics below to start.

    What is supported decision making?

    Everyone has the right to make decisions about their life, including the support and services they receive from aged care. Some older people may want and need support to make these decisions.

    Supported decision-making is when you receive support to make and communicate your own decisions, rather than having decisions made for you. This allows you to remain in control of your own life.

    YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE SOMEONE SUPPORT YOU TO MAKE DECISIONS, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE DECISIONS ON YOUR OWN.

    What should supported decision-making feel like to me?

    Exactly what the support you ask for will depend on your personal decision-making needs and preferences. The types of support you need may also change at different times of the day, depending on how your health is, in times of stress, and for any other reason. You are able to ask for the support you need in the moment, and change your mind about the supports you need.

    You have the right to good quality supports when making decisions about aged care. A useful way to see if these supports are working for you is to consider: