Putting Human Rights into Practice in Aged Care and Disability Support.

Lenient
23 hours ago
2 min read

Updated: 11 minutes ago

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

Why Human Rights Matter

In aged care and disability support, human rights guide how we deliver safe, respectful, and person-centred services. This blog explains how responsibility is shared across three levels – Legislative, Regulatory, and Operational – and includes a simple Action Plan to help embed a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) in everyday practice.

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

1. Legislative Level: The Role of Law

Australia’s Parliament creates laws that protect people’s rights, such as the Aged Care Act and Disability Services Act. These laws are shaped by global human rights principles and influenced by outcomes of the Aged Care and Disability Royal Commissions. They form the 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 help turn these laws into practice.

They support providers through:

• Rules and standards (e.g. NDIS Practice Standards)

• Resources such as the Human Rights Guide

• Ongoing education and compliance checks

3. Operational Level:

Your Role as a Provider or Staff Member. This is where human rights are implemented by you and your team. It happens through

Respecting people's choices and privacy
Culturally safe and inclusive care
Making sure every person feels heard, safe, and valued

This level includes human resources- direct support workers, nurses, allied health professionals, managers, and team leaders.

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

Step 1: Understand the Basics, Train your team. Use simple language, visual aids, and examples relevant to real care situations.

Step 2: Review Your Policies, Check if your policies reflect respect, dignity, safety, and cultural awareness. Update them as needed.

Step 3: Include People in Planning Support individuals to make informed decisions about their care. Ask what matters most to them.

Step 4: Reflect and Improve, Encourage regular reflection and supervision. Ask: Are we protecting rights in daily actions?

Step 5: Show Evidence, Keep good records. During audits, this shows you’re putting human rights into practice.

Why It Matters

Builds trust with people using your services

Supports compliance with NDIS and Aged Care Standards

Helps CALD communities feel understood and included

Strengthens service quality and safety

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 great opportunity to learn, share ideas, and explore how it works in real settings.