If you are not happy with an aspect of your care or other services you receive in the aged care home (nursing home), you have the right to express your concerns or make a complaint. (See points s, t, and u in the resident’s rights under the Charter of Care Recipients Rights and Responsibilities)
There are two ways to make a complaint:
1. Raise the complaint directly with the aged care home
This is usually the best initial course of action. Aged care homes are expected to include details of their complaint procedures as part of the resident agreement so you should know how to raise a concern and with whom. The management staff of the home will always want to hear your concerns first and have the opportunity to work with you to fix the problem or find a solution as quickly and effectively as possible.
2. Make a complaint to the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission commenced operation on 1 January 2019. Its role is to protect and enhance the safety, health, well-being and quality of life of people in aged care.
The Commission assumes the functions of the former Aged Care Complaints Commissioner and the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency, and is committed to promoting high-quality care and services to safeguard everyone who is receiving Australian Government funded aged care.
If you want to make an enquiry or raise a complaint about the quality of care or services being delivered to people receiving aged care services subsidised by the Australian Government, you can contact the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on 1800 951 822 or visit agedcarequality.gov.au.