How ARAS can assist
ARAS advocates can support retirement village residents to:
- articulate and express concerns to the retirement village operator;
- communicate with village management or the operator about issues affecting their retirement village residency;
- speak with the retirement village operator on the resident's behalf and at their direction;
- understand and clarify matters relating to their residence contract or agreement;
- understand their rights and entitlements under the Retirement Villages Act 2016, as amended, and Retirement Villages Regulations 2017;
- explore options available to address or resolve concerns or disputes with a retirement village operator;
- raise concerns or complaints with the retirement village operator;
- understand dispute resolution processes;
- prepare documents relating to dispute resolution processes;
- receive support in meetings with the retirement village operator;
- receive information and advocacy support relating to SACAT proceedings, including assistance to prepare documents and, where appropriate and within the program's role, attendance at proceedings; and
Advocacy and Self-Advocacy
Residents may choose to take action themselves to address a concern, with information and support from ARAS, or may ask an ARAS advocate to communicate with the retirement village operator on their behalf.
ARAS advocates work at the direction of the resident and will only take action with the resident's consent.
Consent and the resident's voice
ARAS will seek the resident's consent before taking action on their behalf, wherever the resident is able to provide consent, and will work with an authorised representative where appropriate.
ARAS will not advocate on behalf of a family member, representative or another person where their wishes conflict with the rights, wishes or interests of the resident.
ARAS advocates cannot work with a representative without the specific consent of the resident.
