A care provider’s guide to informed consent in aged care

Learn what informed consent is, why you need it, and how we keep you safe

At OXA Care, we believe that informed consent is more than a process—it’s a promise. A promise to listen, to respect, and to uphold the dignity of every resident. For older adults, being part of decisions about their care reinforces their sense of independence and value, even when health challenges arise. For families, informed consent offers reassurance that their loved one’s preferences and well-being are always prioritised.

We’ve seen firsthand how informed consent fosters trust between residents, families, and caregivers. It’s about creating conversations, not just signing forms, and ensuring that every decision is understood and agreed upon. This guide will explain what informed consent means in aged care, why it matters, and how it’s embedded into the residential aged care services we provide.

What we’ll cover in this guide:

• What is informed consent in aged care? A clear definition and process.
• Why is informed consent important? Ensuring dignity and trust.
• Challenges and solutions: Addressing communication and cognitive barriers.
• How OXA Care fosters informed consent: Our practical, resident-focused approach.

By the end of this blog, you’ll understand how informed consent safeguards dignity and builds trust, helping you feel confident and informed about your loved one’s care.

What is informed consent in aged care?

Informed consent is one of the most important ways we ensure older adults feel empowered and respected in their care. It’s not just about following a process—it’s about ensuring residents understand and agree to any treatment, surgery, or procedure before it begins. This vital practice gives them the confidence that their preferences and values are always at the heart of every decision.

The definition of informed consent in aged care is simple: it’s about providing clear, accessible information and supporting each person in making a choice that’s right for them. Here’s how it works:

1. Disclosure: Sharing all relevant details about the proposed treatment—its benefits, risks, and alternatives—in a way that’s easy to understand.
2. Understanding: Making sure the resident, or their legally appointed representative, has all the information they need to make an informed decision confidently.
3. Voluntariness: Respecting the resident’s right to make decisions freely, without pressure.
4. Competence: Assessing whether the resident has the capacity to understand and process the information provided.
5. Agreement: Securing explicit consent, which can be verbal, written, or provided through a legally authorised representative.

To illustrate this, imagine a resident requiring a medical procedure. A healthcare professional explains the treatment, its benefits, and possible risks in simple, clear language. If the resident has trouble making a decision due to cognitive challenges, a legally appointed representative—such as someone holding enduring power of attorney—steps in to act in their best interest. Every decision reflects the resident’s wishes, aligning with the respectful approach taken across our care model, supported by specialists such as General Practitioner (GP) Visits.

True informed consent goes beyond checking legal boxes. It’s about creating trust, honouring dignity, and making sure every resident feels seen and respected in the decisions that shape their care.

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Why is informed consent important in aged care?

Informed consent is vital in aged care because it ensures that residents remain active participants in decisions about their care. As individuals age, physical and cognitive changes may increase their reliance on others, but informed consent protects their autonomy, giving them the opportunity to express their preferences and make their voices heard. It is a process that upholds dignity, trust, and respect in every interaction.

The importance of informed consent goes beyond ethics—it is also a legal requirement in Australia. According to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, providers must ensure that residents or their legally appointed representatives sign a consent form before any medical treatment or procedure begins.

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The process of informed consent in aged care

Informed consent isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s an ongoing conversation, evolving alongside a resident’s needs and circumstances. Whether discussing treatments, medication changes, or care plans, this process ensures residents stay actively involved in decisions about their lives.

So, where does informed consent occur in the aged care sector? It’s present at every critical decision point—from agreeing to medical procedures to adjusting care plans. Every step prioritises the resident’s comfort and understanding.

Key steps in the informed consent process

1. Explaining the proposed care: Healthcare professionals offer clear, honest information about treatments or procedures, carefully explaining risks, benefits, and alternatives in language that feels approachable.
2. Ensuring understanding: Through thoughtful conversations, carers ensure the resident, or their representative, feels confident about what’s being proposed.
3. Obtaining consent: Whether given verbally, in writing, or through a legally appointed representative, consent reflects the resident’s wishes and their understanding of the care being provided.
4. Ongoing collaboration: As care needs change, consent is revisited to ensure it remains aligned with the resident’s current health and preferences.

Take, for instance, a resident considering surgery. Their healthcare team discusses the options, outlining potential outcomes and alternatives in detail. The resident, supported by their family, asks questions and shares their thoughts before providing verbal consent. This process ensures that every decision reflects both confidence and clarity, prioritising collaboration with health professionals throughout.

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Supporting residents with diminished capacity

Navigating informed consent for residents with cognitive impairments or diminished capacity requires care, patience, and a deep respect for their dignity. Even when decision-making becomes challenging, it’s essential to honour their preferences and ensure every choice aligns with their best interests. This process is a collaboration between healthcare professionals, families, and legally appointed representatives, grounded in trust and ethical care.

Advanced care directives and legal representatives

When residents are unable to give informed consent, advanced care directives serve as a vital guide. These documents reflect a resident’s pre-determined wishes, ensuring their voice is respected even when they can no longer actively participate in decisions. Advanced care directives provide clarity and reassurance for families, offering a clear path forward that honours the resident’s values.

If a resident chooses to refuse consent or withdraw consent at any stage, their wishes are always respected. This approach balances the resident’s autonomy with practical care needs, ensuring decisions reflect their unique preferences.

In situations where no advanced care directive exists, a legally appointed representative, such as someone holding enduring power of attorney, steps in to act on behalf of the resident. This ensures that decisions are made thoughtfully, balancing the resident’s autonomy with practical care needs. Representatives work closely with healthcare teams to ensure care reflects the resident’s unique preferences and needs.

Challenges to obtaining informed consent in aged care

Obtaining informed consent isn’t always straightforward. Life often brings challenges—like cognitive impairments or communication barriers—that can make these conversations more complex. But with a little patience, creativity, and compassion, these hurdles can be overcome to ensure every resident feels supported and valued.

Common challenges and how to address them

1. Cognitive impairments: When conditions like dementia or memory loss make understanding difficult, carers step in to simplify the conversation or work with legally appointed representatives to ensure decisions reflect the resident’s values. Small adjustments, like breaking information into manageable pieces, can make a world of difference.
2. Communication barriers: Whether it’s a hearing impairment, vision loss, or language difference, carers adapt their approach using interpreters, large-print documents, or visual aids to ensure no one is left out of the conversation.
3. Balancing family involvement: Families often want the best for their loved ones, but it’s essential to keep the resident’s wishes at the centre of every decision. Collaborative conversations help find a balance, ensuring all voices are heard while prioritising the resident’s autonomy.

These challenges remind us that understanding consent is crucial to creating an environment where residents feel respected and empowered.

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Helping carers navigate informed consent with care and compassion

Carers play a vital role in the informed consent process, bridging the gap between residents, families, and healthcare professionals. Whether you’re a family member or a professional caregiver, supporting someone through these decisions is about fostering trust, providing reassurance, and ensuring their autonomy is respected. At its heart, informed consent is not just a legal process—it’s a deeply personal way to honour dignity and individual choice.

Ensuring valid consent involves more than presenting information; it’s about creating meaningful conversations that help residents fully understand their options. This means explaining proposed treatments, addressing questions, and confirming that they have all the details needed to decide confidently. For residents able to give their own consent, carers provide guidance, encouragement, and clarity to empower them in making informed choices.

When carers are involved in making medical treatment decisions for someone unable to provide consent independently, the responsibility becomes even more profound. This may include working closely with health professionals, referencing advanced care directives, or acting through a legally appointed representative. In every instance, the focus remains on reflecting the resident’s wishes and values in every choice made.

The journey of informed consent for carers is one of compassion and connection. By creating a safe space for discussion, offering gentle support, and championing the preferences of those you care for, you ensure that every decision is guided by respect, trust, and the understanding that their voice always matters.

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We’ll always honour your choices and dignity

Informed consent is more than a process—it’s a commitment to care with compassion, respect, and understanding. It ensures that every resident’s voice is heard, their wishes honoured, and their individuality celebrated. For families, it’s a reassurance that their loved one is receiving care rooted in trust, empathy, and respect for their autonomy.

Caring for someone you love is deeply personal, and it’s important to get every decision right. That’s why open communication, personalised support, and ongoing engagement are central to creating a meaningful care experience. Using tools like plain language explanations, visual aids, and clear conversations, care teams work closely with families and residents to ensure that every decision is fully understood and made with confidence.

This approach to aged care goes beyond legal obligations—it’s about creating a home where residents feel empowered, valued, and deeply respected. Together, families and caregivers can ensure that care reflects each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and values at every step.

If you’re ready to explore care that prioritises dignity and well-being, contact us today. Compassionate, respectful care is just a conversation away.