Tuesday, 14 October 2025
A new legislated supported decision-making approach will commence on 1 November 2025 under the new Aged Care Act, creating significant responsibilities for those providing care, as well as for families and others who support older people.
“The new regime is about rebalancing the power dynamics in aged care and putting the wishes of older people front and centre,” said Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) CEO, Craig Gear.
It reinforces that older people have the right to make their own decisions, with appropriate support if they need it. For registered supporters, the new regime also introduces clear responsibilities and consequences, ensuring that the autonomy and voice of the older person is respected in all decisions about their care and life.
To help prepare for these changes, OPAN has launched new supported decision-making resources for both older people and aged care providers.
The Supported decision-making toolkit helps older people, their families and supporters understand what supported decision-making is, why it matters, and how to use it in everyday life. It includes practical tips, easy-to-understand information, and real-life examples to help people stay in control of decisions about their care, services and daily life.
For aged care providers, OPAN has developed a new Supported decision-making eLearning module, offering practical guidance on how to put supported decision-making into practice in line with their obligations under the new Aged Care Act.
Mr Gear said supported decision-making is a cornerstone of a rights-based aged care system - one that recognises older people as the decision-makers in their own lives.
“Supported decision-making means having the support you need to make and communicate your own decisions, rather than having decisions made for you,” Mr Gear said.
“The new Aged Care Act reinforces that right. It ensures older people remain at the centre of their care, supported by those they trust - whether that’s a family member, friend, advocate or provider.
“These new resources give older people practical tools to exercise that right and help providers understand how to embed supported decision-making in everyday practice.”
The resources were developed by subject matter experts in collaboration with older people, advocates and aged care providers, to ensure they reflect real-world experiences and practical application. Together, they form part of OPAN’s commitment to building a more inclusive, rights-based aged care system.
The Supported decision-making toolkit and eLearning module for providers are freely available at opan.org.au.
Link to toolkit: https://opan.org.au/supported-decision-toolkit/
Link to eLearning: https://opan.org.au/education/training-for-aged-care-professionals/
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For information or support regarding aged care, please call the Aged Care Advocacy Line on 1800 700 600 or visit opan.org.au