OPAN release self-advocacy toolkit

30 Nov 2022

Self-advocacy puts older people in the driver’s seat. It is the ability to speak up for yourself on issues that are important to you. Speaking up for yourself can be empowering and supports your independence. 

OPAN has developed a new resource to help older people speak up to get the care and support they need. When it comes to self advocacy, knowledge is power. The toolkit aims to make it easier to access the information to speak up for better aged care.

The toolkit contains checklists, videos and a variety of resources to help you expand your knowledge. Explore today: opan.org.au/toolkit

‘Self-advocacy – or speaking up – puts you in the driver’s seat. It’s about maintaining your own power. The power you have had all your life.’ Gwenda Darling, a member of OPAN’s National Older Persons Reference Group, shares her tips in the short video below for getting the services you need to age well.

Her tips include: 

• Learning to speak the language of public servants and service providers
• Knowing the guidelines, the acronyms, the way to negotiate.