Skills & Consent in Aged Care: Supporting Informed Choice & Decision Making

This session: Skills & Consent in Aged Care: Supporting Informed Choice & Decision Making is offered by the Inner West Sydney, Central West, Orana Far West and Central Coast SSDOs.

When: Wednesday 25 February 2026 | 11:30AM - 1:30PM

Where: Online via Zoom

Guest Speaker: Lorraine Polous & Associates

Course Outline/Aim

The New Aged Care Act 2024 enshrines the rights of older people to make informed decisions about their care and services. This training equips CHSP providers with the practical skills, tools, and ethical understanding required to support decision-making, confirm valid consent, and uphold older people’s rights and dignity in line with legislative and policy reforms.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify and apply a range of communication techniques to support informed decision-making in line with the needs of older people
• Define valid consent and explain when and how it must be obtained and documented under the New Aged Care Act and CHSP guidelines
• Demonstrate appropriate approaches to confirming consent, including where cognitive or communication impairments are present
• Support older people to understand their choices with or without the involvement of a formal supporter
• Uphold the legal and ethical principles of autonomy, dignity, and rights-based care when delivering services
• Align consent practices with obligations under the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and the Charter of Aged Care Rights

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL SSDO:

Central West Sector Support Development Officer

Kim McLean | 0428618117 | kmclean@orange.nsw.gov.au

Inner West Sector Sydney Sector Support Development Officer

Marina Antonas | 0408 490 011 | marina.antonas@eccnsw.org.au

Orana Far West Sector Support Development Officer

Cheryl Burns | 0408 500 378 | cheryl.burns@livebetter.org.au

Central Coast Sector Support, Development and Training

Jodi Livesley | 0429 075 430 | jodi.livesley@wesleymission.org.au