Jack’s* aged care home has a blanket nonsmokingpolicy. Staff are permitted to smoke at a nearby reserve. Jack felt this was an appropriate alternative for him. Jack’s aged care provider initially disagreed, citing health risks and their duty of care. With the support of an aged care advocate, Jack successfully reminded the provider of his right to exercise choice, including when that choice involved personal risk.

Eleni* lives with dementia. As the condition has progressed, she has reverted to her first language – Greek. Eleni’s daughter and representative (registered supporter under the new Act), Kay*, called OPAN because she felt Eleni’s inability to communicate had caused her to become socially isolated and withdrawn. With Eleni and Kay’s consent, the advocate arranged a meeting to review Eleni’s care plan with support from Dementia Australia. As a result, the aged care home amended their roster to ensure greater consistency in staffing. Greek communication cards were provided to help overcome language barriers. Eleni was also referred to the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme to enable regular visits from someone from her cultural background.

When Rosemary first moved to an aged care home, she noticed that questions about her health care (e.g. vaccination permission) and her finances (e.g. monthly statements) were being referred to her family. She reminded management of her right to make decisions about her financial affairs, her right to have her personal information protected, and her right to be provided with information about the aged care services she receives, including the costs of those services. The provider agreed to redirect all of Rosemary’s correspondence directly to her.