If you’re navigating aged care in Australia, knowing your rights is essential — and that’s where OPAN, aged care advocacy, and Trilogy Care can help. The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) provides free, independent support to older Australians receiving government-funded care, while Trilogy Care empowers clients to understand their advocacy options, manage their funding, and speak up with confidence.
What is OPAN?
OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network) is a national service funded by the Australian Government. It offers free, confidential, and independent advocacy services to people accessing aged care through programs like Home Care Packages, the Support at Home program or residential care.
Whether you’re at home receiving aged care, helping a parent navigate the system, or preparing for a care assessment — OPAN is here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
What is aged care advocacy?
Aged care advocacy is the process of supporting older Australians to understand their rights, raise concerns, and make informed choices about their care.
Aged care advocates provide:
- Help with resolving issues with your aged care provider
- Information about your rights under the Charter of Aged Care Rights
- Support during assessments or care plan reviews
- Guidance to raise complaints or concerns
- Protection from elder abuse or neglect
You can advocate for yourself — or work with someone who advocates with or on your behalf.
Trilogy Care and aged care advocacy
At Trilogy Care, we believe every client should feel informed, empowered and confident when navigating aged care. While we’re not a formal advocacy organisation, we actively encourage the use of aged care advocacy services like OPAN.
Our team helps clients:
- Understand how their Home Care Package and Support at Home funding works
- Identify when they might benefit from independent advocacy
- Connect with aged care advocates such as those at OPAN when needed
We’re here to provide clarity and support — so our clients feel equipped to speak up, ask questions and make decisions that work for them.
When should you contact OPAN?
You can contact aged care OPAN services if:
- You’re unsure about your rights in aged care
- You’re unhappy with the care you or a loved one is receiving
- You’ve experienced elder abuse or neglect
- You want help navigating assessments, fees, or service changes
- You need support to resolve a complaint
OPAN advocates will listen, provide advice, and support you to take action. Their services are always free and independent of any aged care provider.
Aged care advocates are crucial
Aged care can be complex — but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With support from aged care advocates, you can feel confident, informed and empowered at every stage.
Whether you need independent advocacy from OPAN or tailored guidance through Trilogy Care advocacy, support is available to help you get the most from your care experience.
