Respecting older people

Everyone has the right to live free from abuse and neglect. This is a fundamental human right, supported by Australian law and a clear community expectation. 

Older people who receive aged care services, whether in a residential care home or in their own home, also have specific rights to feel safe, respected and supported. 

Sadly, elder abuse can occur in many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological or financial abuse, neglect, or exploitation. It can happen anywhere and is often hidden. 

At RSL LifeCare, we are committed to preventing elder abuse and to creating safe, respectful environments for all older people who receive our care and services. 

Speaking up about concerns

Everyone has a role to play in keeping older people safe. 

If you see, hear or suspect something that does not feel right, it is important to speak up. Raising concerns early helps protect people from harm and ensures issues are addressed quickly and appropriately. 

RSL LifeCare’s Complaints and Feedback policy provides clear and safe ways for employees, residents, home care clients, families, visitors and volunteers to raise concerns. This includes options to report concerns confidentially or anonymously. A copy can be viewed on RSL LifeCare’s website https://rsllifecare.org.au/complaint-handling/ or obtained from any member of the RSL LifeCare team. 

Your rights when receiving aged care
If you receive aged care services from RSL LifeCare, you have the right to: 

• feel safe and respected 

• receive quality care and services 

• live free from abuse, neglect and exploitation 

• raise concerns and have them taken seriously 

• speak up without fear of reprisal 

These rights are set out in the Statement of Rights, which applies to all Australians accessing Government-funded aged care services. 

Our responsibilities
SIRS works alongside other important requirements, including the Aged Care Quality Standards and the rightsbased approach set out in the Statement of Rights.

RSL LifeCare employees are required to:

• follow the Aged Care Code of Conduct

• understand their responsibilities for identifying and reporting concerns 

• complete mandatory training when they start and on an ongoing basis 

Clear policies, regular training and open conversations help ensure everyone understands their role in keeping older people safe. 

Our commitment
Protecting the safety, dignity and wellbeing of older people is both a moral and legal responsibility. 

At RSL LifeCare, we are committed to caring for older Australians with respect and compassion, and to speaking up when something is not right. 

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” This principle guides how we work and how we care. 

RSL LifeCare operates in accordance with the Aged Care Act 2024, along with all relevant legislation, standards and guidelines.