History of ARAS
Advocacy services for residents of Australian Government subsidised aged care homes, across both high and low care, have been funded in every State and Territory in Australia since the introduction of the Consumer Rights initiatives in 1989. These services were established following research that highlighted the vulnerable position of older people living in residential facilities, particularly where physical or mental frailty increased their vulnerability.
ARAS was established in 1990 as the South Australian component of this national advocacy network. Through its Residential Care Program, ARAS provides advocacy support to consumers of Australian Government subsidised aged care services and their representatives.
In July 1991, ARAS expanded with funding from the Home and Community Care (HACC) Program to provide systems advocacy as part of the HACC Consumer Rights Strategy. Further HACC funding in 1994 enabled ARAS to provide individual advocacy assistance to older people using HACC-funded services and their carers.
ARAS continued to grow in response to the needs and rights of older people. In 1997, funding commenced for the Abuse Prevention Program to assist older people who are at risk of, or experiencing, abuse by someone they should be able to trust.
In 2003, ARAS established the Aboriginal Advocacy Program in collaboration with the Council of Aboriginal Elders S.A., further extending access to advocacy support.
The Retirement Village Advocacy Program commenced in 2014, expanding ARAS's advocacy work to older people living in retirement villages.
Over more than three decades, ARAS has continued to evolve and expand its advocacy work while maintaining its focus on protecting and advancing the rights of older people. Alongside its established programs, ARAS has undertaken numerous projects, some delivered in South Australia and others at a national level.
