Supported decision making in Aged Care
The new Aged Care Act 2024 is putting the rights of older Australians front and centre and one of the most important updates is the introduction of Supported decision making. This new approach ensures older people stay in control of their care choices, with the option to have trusted supporters help them make and communicate decisions.
What is a registered supporter?
A registered supporter is someone officially registered via My Aged Care to help an older person make and communicate their own decisions, especially about aged care services. This change is part of the new Aged Care Act that puts the rights of older people first.
Registered supporters do not have legal authority to make decisions. Their job is to support - never to override - theolder person’s choices. Providers will still seek decisions from the older person first and the supporter can communicate the decision if the older person asks them to. A registered supporter can be added, changed or removed at any time through My Aged Care.
What they can do
Help the older person understand options, clarify preferences, and express their decisions
Communicate with My Aged Care, assessors, providers, or the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on behalf of the older person, but only at their direction
Access and receive information about the older person if authorised
What they cannot do
Sign a service agreement on behalf of the person
Consent to medical treatment
Override the person’s expressed wishes
Three types of registered supporters
There are three versions of this role:
Supporter (auto-share): Can access and share information automatically when authorised.
Supporter Lite: Does not have automatic access to your information.
Supporter Guardian: Has both registered supporter status and separate legal authority (such as under a Power of Attorney). Providers must verify this authority.
Registered supporters must act honestly, diligently, in good faith, and always in line with the older person's expressed wishes - even if they disagree. Generally, providers/workers cannot act as a supporter for the people they serve as it is considered a conflict of interest.
Existing representative arrangements (like authorised or regular representatives in My Aged Care as of 31 October 2025) will automatically become registered supporters on 1 November 2025 unless opted out.
What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?
A POA is a legally appointed individual with formal authority to make decisions on the behalf of the older person, as per the laws of their state or territory. These refer to financial, legal and/or medical decisions, and the process for applying as a POA can differ depending on where you live.
Interaction with registered supporter role
Unlike a registered supporter, a POA can make binding decisions within the scope of their legal power and when that authority is active.
A person can hold both roles simultaneously (e.g. a registered supporter can also be POA).
A Power of Attorney (POA) can make certain legal decisions for a person. But when it comes to aged care choices that aren’t covered by their legal powers, they need to switch to a supportive role – helping the person make their own decisions, just like a registered supporter would.
How they compare
| Registered supporter | Power of Attorney (POA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Decision Making Authority | No. Supports decision making, but cannot decide | Yes. Can make decisions if legally appointed |
| Main Purpose | Empower an older person to make their own decisions | Act legally on behalf of the older person |
| Communication and Access | Can communicate with aged care systems if authorised | Can act and make decisions directly |
| Accountability | Must act honestly, uphold older person's wishes | Legally bound to act within their appointed authority |
| Changeability | Older person can add/remove anytime | Depends on legal documents or court appointments |
Click here to download our easy to read fact sheet you can print at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Supported decision making
Other topics you might be interested in
Services under Support at home
Under the Support at Home program, there are a range of services that you can access, depending on your needs and what you are eligible for...
How do I get started with PlanCare?
The aged care world comes with its own set of terms. Below, we've broken down some of the key terms you'll come across, think of it as your quick-start guide to the...
Helpful numbers and resources
As we get older, there’s a good chance that we’ll need a little extra help along the way. If you or a loved one are currently receiving aged care, knowing where...