Insights from the Commission and a Simple Action Plan for Providers and Staff

Lenient
May 7
3 min read

Updated: 6 hours ago

Why Human Rights Matter in Aged Care and Disability Support

In aged care and disability support, human rights are crucial. They guide how we deliver services that are safe, respectful, and person-centred. This blog post explains that responsibility for human rights is shared across three levels: Legislative, Regulatory, and Operational. Additionally, it includes a simple action plan to help integrate a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) into everyday practice.

Smiling group at a sign-in table during a park gathering.

1. Legislative Level: The Role of Law

Australia’s Parliament is responsible for creating laws that protect people's rights. Key laws include the Aged Care Act and the Disability Services Act. These laws stem from global human rights principles. They are also influenced by findings from the Aged Care and Disability Royal Commissions. Together, these laws provide a solid legal foundation for rights-based care.

2. Regulatory Level: Guidance from the Commissions

Regulators such as the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission play a vital role. They bring laws into practice. Their support includes:

Establishing rules and standards, like the NDIS Practice Standards.
Providing valuable resources, such as the Human Rights Guide.
Offering ongoing education and compliance checks to ensure standards are met.

3. Operational Level: Your Role as a Provider or Staff Member

This operational level is where human rights are put into action by you and your team. You can create an environment that respects human rights by:

Acknowledging people's choices and ensuring their privacy.
Delivering culturally safe and inclusive care.
Making sure every person feels heard, safe, and valued.

It's important to include human resources, such as direct support workers, nurses, allied health professionals, managers, and team leaders. Every team member plays a role in upholding health care standards.

Action Plan: 5 Steps to Embed a Human Rights-Based Approach

Having a systematic approach can greatly help in embedding human rights into your practice. Here are five actionable steps:

Step 1: Understand the Basics and Train Your Team

Start by training your team on basic human rights concepts. Use simple language, visual aids, and examples that relate to real care situations. This will enhance understanding and application.

Step 2: Review Your Policies

Next, you must review your policies. Ensure they reflect respect, dignity, safety, and cultural awareness. Modify them as necessary to align with human rights principles.

Step 3: Include People in Planning

Encourage participation in planning. Support individuals to make informed decisions about their care by asking them what matters most to them. Involving them fosters a sense of ownership and respect.

Step 4: Reflect and Improve

It’s critical to foster a culture of reflection and continuous improvement. Encourage regular assessments and discussions. Ask: Are we effectively protecting rights in our daily actions?

Step 5: Show Evidence

Lastly, maintaining good records is essential. During audits, proper documentation will demonstrate that you are actively putting human rights into practice.

Why It Matters

Upholding human rights brings numerous benefits. It builds trust with people who use your services. Moreover, it supports compliance with NDIS and Aged Care Standards. It helps culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities feel understood and included. Most importantly, it strengthens service quality and safety for everyone involved.

Want to Learn More?

Join us at the Clinical Facilitators Network (CFN) event. One of our speakers will lead a session on Human Rights-Based Care. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, share ideas, and explore how these principles apply in real settings.