Australia’s population is ageing across all groups, including people living with mental health conditions. Increasingly policy makers are acknowledging the growing needs and numbers of older people living with mental health conditions in the community or aged care settings.
The two systems of health and age care are currently poorly integrated. Many older people with mental health and coexisting conditions do not have access to the support and care they need, when and where they need it. Pressure on services is apparent as the population ages and the number of older people with complex mental health conditions increases. This situation is often made more serious by the coexisting physical and cognitive impairments that people experience.
Poor mental health is not a normal part of ageing. However, older people can be more vulnerable to developing mental health conditions as they age, while others grow older with the ongoing exacerbation of mental health conditions that may have developed earlier in their lives.
For people who have struggled with mental health issues across the lifespan, negative social attitudes can increase their feelings of exclusion, poor self-esteem, helplessness and fear. Isolation and depression should not be associated with ageing, or normalised as a natural part of the ageing process. Nevertheless many people experience increased stigma and discrimination as they age.
Mental illness can also be hard to identify in older people, as symptoms may go unreported or physical conditions can overwhelm or mask existing or developing mental health issues.
Frequently, because of the complex mental and physical health needs older people experience, the care and treatment they are provided with is symptom focused. Older person’s psychosocial needs may be neglected in the context of the challenging coexisting difficulties they present with. Investigating the potential for complimentary medical and psychosocial recoveryIndividual or personal recovery is defined as being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life within a community of choice, with or without the presence of mental health difficulties. ‘Recovery’ can mean different things to different people; but in general, it means: gaining and retaining hope; understanding of one’s abilities and difficulties; engagement in an active life; personal autonomy; social identity; meaning and purpose in life, and a positive sense of self. More approaches generally tends not to be well promoted with older persons.
Many people with mental health conditions have, or continue to experience, trauma throughout their lives. For some people, trauma has occurred during childhood in the form of physical and emotional abuse or neglect, violence or other mistreatment. When trauma has continued into adulthood, either at home or whilst in mental health facilities or other institutions, the accumulative impacts may well lead to long term mental and physical health difficulties.
Amongst the many things that may re-traumatise a person who has lived experience of trauma, entering any institution such as an aged care facility can trigger past experiences and be re-victimising and retraumatising to an older person. Particularly, for people previously institutionalised and traumatised in residential mental health facilities, the distress, fear, horror and resistance to being ‘placed’ once more into residential care must be acknowledged and respected.
This chapter provides information about:
In NSW, older people’s mental health services have been proactive in developing a recoveryIndividual or personal recovery is defined as being able to create and live a meaningful and contributing life within a community of choice, with or without the presence of mental health difficulties. ‘Recovery’ can mean different things to different people; but in general, it means: gaining and retaining hope; understanding of one’s abilities and difficulties; engagement in an active life; personal autonomy; social identity; meaning and purpose in life, and a positive sense of self. More model for the care and treatment.
NSW Older People’s Mental Health (OPMH) services provide public specialist mental health clinical care generally to people aged 65 years and over, or Aboriginal people aged 50 years and older.
OPMH care for care for population groups with specific needs through:
OPMH services are delivered by different types of health professionals with skills and expertise in mental health problems affecting older people and frailty associated with old age. This includes specialist old-age psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, diversional therapists and social workers.
OPMH services include:
OPMH services are also tailored to certain population groups of older people with mental health problems who may have certain needs discussed throughout this chapter, including:
OPMH Community Services are available in each local health district. They are an important part of OPMH services and are central to the provision of coordinated services to older people living with mental health conditions.
The Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People Community Model of Care Guideline (2017) defines how mental health community services for older people should be delivered, saying they should be:
Older people’s mental health hospital-based services include both acute inpatient and non-acute inpatient services.
OPMH provide inpatient services when the severity of a person’s mental health conditionThe term mental health condition is a broad term that refers to symptoms that may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. This condition can be temporary, episodic or lifelong. A mental health condition can include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. It includes, but is not limited to, those conditions and symptoms recognised as constituting mental illness under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). More cannot be provided for in the community, for example either by themselves of with the care of their family.
OPMH will assess the person’s mental and behavioural status, including physical health issues and other broader social issues (such as risk of homelessness, Centrelink payments, etc.), and if necessary provide specialist care, treatment and rehabilitation in a hospital setting.
Inpatient services provide varying levels of care across the spectrum, with acute care for people presenting with very serious conditions to non-acute for people with less serious conditions. These services may be standalone facilities or units within inpatient mental health facilities or within acute care general hospital facilities.
It is an expectation that consumers of these services will improve enough for them to be discharged to a mainstreamIn the context of the mental health and the NDIS, mainstream services and programs are non-NDIS, government funded and/or delivered services that can be used by everyone. They include public health and mental health services, public transport, education, housing, justice, child protection and employment services. More service or community setting, with additional support from a OPMH Community Service and other community services. Effective care coordination alongside residential and community services are important in ensuring the delivery of these services.
Transitional Behavioural Assessment and Intervention Service Units are short to medium stay transitional/non-acute inpatient units. They provide intensive behavioural assessment and intervention for older people with severe Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia.
For more information about dementia, click here.
OPMH community services provide some support for older people with mental health conditions and/or severe and persistently challenging behaviours associated with dementia who live in residential aged care facilities (RACFs). They work in partnership with the aged care providers.
There are three kinds of mental health-residential aged care partnership services:
OPMH has established partnerships with Catholic Healthcare, Mission Australia, Southern Cross Care, RSL Lifecare, Hammond Care and St Vincent de Paul.
These mental health-residential aged care partnership services will likely expand over the next 10 years under the NSW mental health reforms, which include the Pathways to Community Living Initiative and the NSW Older People’s Mental Health Service Plan.
For more information about dementia, click here.
It can be a big decision to move into residential aged care, and some people may experience a sense of loss. You have the right to visit a residential aged care facility before you enter one, and to ask questions about staffing, physical and mental health services, recreation available, etc. This information can help you make a decision when choosing an aged care facility or deciding to change aged care facilities.
The publications “10 Questions” suggest some questions you can ask about what your experience will be like, and appropriate responses. The questions have been written by nurses, doctors and experts with experience in aged care.
Some questions that you can ask about mental health include:
For more questions you can ask aged care facilities before you join them, click here.
The My Aged Care/Care About website has been established by the Australian Government to help you navigate the aged care system. The website is part of the Australian Government’s aged care system, which have been designed to give people more choice, more control and easier access to a full range of aged care services.
Care About includes this website and a national contact centre. Together they can provide you with information on aged care for yourself, a family member, friend or someone you’re caring for.
The contact centre can be contacted by phone on 1800 826 508*.
If you need an Interpreter
If you speak a language other than English, you can phone the Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS) on 131 450. TIS covers more than 100 languages and is available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week, for the cost of a local call.
If you have a hearing or speech impairmentThe loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis. For people with mental health conditions this would also include a loss of function on an episodic basis, which in many cases leads to long term or permanent impairment and subsequent disablement. More?
People who are deaf or who have a hearing or speech impairmentThe loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis. For people with mental health conditions this would also include a loss of function on an episodic basis, which in many cases leads to long term or permanent impairment and subsequent disablement. More can contact the National Relay Service and ask them to call TIS for a language interpreter.
*Mobile phone calls to freecall numbers (numbers starting with 1800) and to local call numbers (numbers starting with 13 or 1300) are charged to the caller at the usual mobile rate.
Generally speaking, the disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More and age care systems are separate and distinct service systems and each has its own eligibility criteria.
The National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has specific age criteria which applies to people over sixty five (65) years of age. To become an NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More, you must be under sixty five (65) years of age on the day you apply to access the Scheme. People over sixty five (65) will receive support from the aged care system. NDIS participants can choose to purchase supports from aged care providers.
Younger people in residential aged care often have complex support needs that bridge the aged care, disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More, health, and housing and community services systems. Residential aged care is designed to provide accommodation, personal and nursing care for older people. However, residential aged care also supports people with high and complex care needs when alternative care is not available. If a person wishes to enter aged care they will required to undergo an assessment by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).
If you acquired your disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More before the age of 65 (or were born with a disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More), and are otherwise eligible, you are entitled to receive support from the NDIS.
People with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More who are existing recipients of disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More services from the NDIS (or existing recipients of State and Territory disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More support systems that are to be transferred to the NDIS) who turn 65 will continue to be eligible for disability-related support services through the NDIS; but will be expected to obtain supplementary age related supports from the aged care system, and may ultimately be required to transfer to the aged care system.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More become eligible for aged related services at an earlier age than others. For example, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders become eligible for age related Home Care Services at the age of 45 years, and the planning benchmark for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for Commonwealth age care assessment is 50 years rather than 70 years for the general population.
For more information about aged care services go to the ‘My Aged Care’ website.
To read more about the NDIS and older people follow this link
To read more about your rights and many other aspects of the NDIS, click here
Older people with mental health conditions are eligible for mental health services on the same basis as other people, whether these are provided by the public sector, the private sector (including through General Practitioner referrals) or through the non-government community based-services sector.
Refusing to provide an older person with access to a service they require, because of their age, is likely to constitute unlawful age discrimination under NSW and Commonwealth law. Of course, it would not be unlawful discrimination for an older person with a mental health conditionThe term mental health condition is a broad term that refers to symptoms that may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. This condition can be temporary, episodic or lifelong. A mental health condition can include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. It includes, but is not limited to, those conditions and symptoms recognised as constituting mental illness under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). More to be refused access to a mental health service designed for a specific population group, such as young people. Similarly, there are some services and programs that are specifically designed for older people with mental health conditions, and the fact that there are age criteria for access to these services would be unlikely to constitute age discrimination.
For more information about what to do if you, or someone you know with a mental health conditionThe term mental health condition is a broad term that refers to symptoms that may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. This condition can be temporary, episodic or lifelong. A mental health condition can include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. It includes, but is not limited to, those conditions and symptoms recognised as constituting mental illness under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). More experiences age discrimination click here
The following not-for-profit organisations mental health organisations have information about mental health and older people:
*Mobile phone calls to freecall numbers (numbers starting with 1800) and to local call numbers (numbers starting with 1300) are charged to the caller at the usual mobile rate.
Older people living with mental health conditions may experience discrimination on the basis of their age or disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More, or both. Such discrimination is unlawful in certain areas of life, including in relation to access to goods, services and facilities, employment, education, and clubs and associations.
Age discrimination can happen where someone is treated unfairly because of their age. For example, it is generally against the law for an employer not to employ a qualified person for a job just because of their age.
It is unlawful to treat people less favourably than another person because of their age in areas such as employment, education, accommodation, the provision of goods and services and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs.
However, it may not be unlawful to provide a benefit to a particular age group to meet a specific need due to their age. For example, it is not unlawful to provide concessions to older Australians for use of certain services.
For more information about disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More discrimination, including what to do if you or someone you know with mental illness experiences discrimination, click here.
If you think you have been discriminated in education because of your age, you can complain to one of the following organisations:
These bodies both investigate and try to resolve complaints of discrimination including education discrimination. Both have complaints forms available online.
Complaints to the ADB should be made within twelve (12) months of the actions that you believe were unlawful discrimination. Complaints to the AHRC should be made six (6) months of the actions that you believe were unlawful discrimination. You should ask the ADB or AHRC for more information about the time limit that applies for your specific complaint.
The Australian Human Rights Commission can be contacted by:
Phone: 1300 656 419*
(02) 9284 9888
Email: complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1800 620 241 (freecall*)
Fax: (02) 9284 9611
Click here for the Commission’s Online complaint form.
For more about the Australian Human Rights Commission’s processes and what happens with discrimination complaints made to the Commission, click here.
Anti-Discrimination NSW can be contacted by:
Sydney office
Postal address: PO Box A2122
SYDNEY SOUTH NSW 1235
Street address: Level 4, 175 Castlereagh Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Telephone: (02) 9268 5544
Freecall: 1800 670 812* (for rural and regional NSW only)
Teletypewriter (TTY): (02) 9268 5522
Fax: (02) 9268 5500
E-mail: adbcontact@agd.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au
Wollongong office
Postal address: PO Box 67
WOLLONGONG NSW 2520
Street address: 84 Crown Street
WOLLONGONG NSW 2500
Telephone: (02) 4267 6200
Freecall: 1800 670 812* (for rural and regional NSW only)
Teletypewriter (TTY): (02) 4267 6267
Fax: (02) 4267 6261
Parramatta office
Street address: Street address: Level 7, 10 Valentine Avenue,
Parramatta, NSW, 2150
Telephone: (02) 9268 5555
Freecall: 1800 670 812* (only within NSW)
Fax: (02) 9268 5500
Click here to go where you can download the Board’s complaint form.
If you think you have been discriminated against, you should get legal advice. You can get free legal advice about discrimination from several places. Click here to find out more.
*Mobile phone calls to freecall numbers (numbers starting with 1800) and to local call numbers (numbers starting with 1300) are charged to the caller at the usual mobile rate.
Loneliness is a distressing feeling of isolation, or the subjective feeling of not receiving as much emotional support and companionship as you feel you need. Loneliness is not the same as being alone.
Research shows that loneliness is common in developed countries, including Australia. Research shows that people over the age of sixty-five (65) may be more likely to experience loneliness.
Loneliness is associated significant negative impacts on mental health, including feelings of depression and hopelessness, self-harmSelf-harm refers to any behaviour which involves the deliberate causing of pain or injury to oneself. This behaviour is generally used by people as an extreme coping strategy to manage distressing or painful emotions and feelings. Whilst the behaviour may be deliberate, it can be driven by a strong impulse that is uncontrollable. More, anxiety regarding social interactions, less enjoyment of relationships, reduced resilience to address daily problems and decreased confidence.
Loneliness has also been shown to be associated with poorer physical health, including more physical health difficulties, poor judgement about health decisions and behaviours, quicker cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia.
Australian government initiatives to address loneliness include:
Psychologists have found that the following ways to address loneliness:
If you are experiencing loneliness, you can contact the following mental health not-for-profit organisations for more information and assistance, click here.
Elder abuse is any behaviour in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person. This harm could be caused by people you trust, such as a spouse, partner or family member, a friend or neighbour, or people you rely on for services. Abuse can be financial, physical, psychological, sexual, spiritual or facilitated by technology. Denial of access to medical care would be considered elder abuse.
Some examples of financial abuse, include:
Abuse can often go unnoticed by outsiders and even other family members, especially if you are becoming frail or declining mentally.
Some people experiencing elder abuse can find it very difficult to report a family member, especially if that person is their child and they feel responsible for their child’s behaviour.
If you or anyone you know are currently feeling unsafe, it is best to call the police on 000 for immediate assistance. If it not urgent and you believe you may be experiencing elder abuse, please contact one of the organisations listed here.
The following organisations provide assistance to older people:
*Mobile phone calls to freecall numbers (numbers starting with 1800) and to local call numbers (numbers starting with 13 or 1300) are charged to the caller at the usual mobile rate.
There are several ways you can plan ahead to ensure your values, beliefs and preferences are made known and guide decision-making at a future time when you cannot make or communicate your decisions. For example, you may want to make legal arrangements such as a Will, Power of AttorneyA Power of Attorney is a legal document in which a person appoints someone or a trustee organisation to make financial or legal decisions on his/her behalf. A Power of Attorney can only be made by a person who has legal capacity to do so. An Attorney must always act in the person’s best interests. More and Enduring GuardianshipGuardianship is the legal relationship that is created when someone is given the legal authority to make certain decisions on another person’s behalf because that the person does not have the legal capacity to make these decisions for themselves. In NSW, Guardians are appointed by the Guardianship Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to make some medical and lifestyle decisions for a person. A Guardian does not have authority to make financial decisions on a person’s behalf. More.
A Will is a legal document that sets out how you want the things you own to be distributed when you die. It can include your jewellery, or other objects that are important to you, money and property. If you die without a Will (intestate), your estate will be given away according to a pre-determined formula, with certain family members receiving a defined percentage of your assets even if this is different to what you wanted.
A Power of AttorneyA Power of Attorney is a legal document in which a person appoints someone or a trustee organisation to make financial or legal decisions on his/her behalf. A Power of Attorney can only be made by a person who has legal capacity to do so. An Attorney must always act in the person’s best interests. More is a legal document appointing a person or organisation of your choice, to manage your financial and legal affairs while you are alive. You must be over eighteen (18) years aged and have the capacityCapacity refers to a person’s ability to make his/her own decisions and give informed consent. These may be small decisions, such as what to do each day, or bigger decisions like where to live or whether to have a medical procedure. A person may lack capacity in some areas, but still be able to make other decisions. More to understand the nature and effect of the appointment to appoint an attorney. For information about Financial management and Power of AttorneyA Power of Attorney is a legal document in which a person appoints someone or a trustee organisation to make financial or legal decisions on his/her behalf. A Power of Attorney can only be made by a person who has legal capacity to do so. An Attorney must always act in the person’s best interests. More, click here.
An Enduring GuardianThe Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW) makes it possible for a person with legal capacity to appoint an Enduring Guardian. An Enduring Guardian can make decisions for you in areas such as accommodation, health and services, if you lose the capacity to make your own decisions at some time in the future. An Enduring Guardian cannot make decisions about your money or assets. More can make decisions for you in areas such as accommodation, health and services, if you lose the capacityCapacity refers to a person’s ability to make his/her own decisions and give informed consent. These may be small decisions, such as what to do each day, or bigger decisions like where to live or whether to have a medical procedure. A person may lack capacity in some areas, but still be able to make other decisions. More to make your own decisions at some time in the future. An Enduring GuardianThe Guardianship Act 1987 (NSW) makes it possible for a person with legal capacity to appoint an Enduring Guardian. An Enduring Guardian can make decisions for you in areas such as accommodation, health and services, if you lose the capacity to make your own decisions at some time in the future. An Enduring Guardian cannot make decisions about your money or assets. More cannot make decisions about your money or assets. You can make an Enduring Power of AttorneyAn Enduring Power of Attorney is made by a person who has legal capacity to do so at the time. It comes into effect if that person loses capacity to make financial and legal decisions in the future. The person appointed to make these decisions is called the ‘Attorney’. More to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs. For information about GuardianshipGuardianship is the legal relationship that is created when someone is given the legal authority to make certain decisions on another person’s behalf because that the person does not have the legal capacity to make these decisions for themselves. In NSW, Guardians are appointed by the Guardianship Division of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to make some medical and lifestyle decisions for a person. A Guardian does not have authority to make financial decisions on a person’s behalf. More, click here.
It is recommended that you consider these issues at an early stage and while you are able to make decisions (have capacityCapacity refers to a person’s ability to make his/her own decisions and give informed consent. These may be small decisions, such as what to do each day, or bigger decisions like where to live or whether to have a medical procedure. A person may lack capacity in some areas, but still be able to make other decisions. More). If you do not have planning ahead documents prepared when they are required, a court or tribunal may need to appoint someone to make decisions for you. The opportunity to choose who you would like to act on your behalf will be lost.
For more information about these documents, click here. Factsheets are available in a number of languages.
Updated July 20, 2020
