4. Report problems. Legal and ethical

6. Informed consent

All AHAs must ensure that they gain informed consent for all care tasks—therefore, clear communication is essential. Informed consent is permission granted in full knowledge of the possible consequences, for example, that which is given by a patient to a doctor for treatment with knowledge of the possible risks and benefits.

Informed consent in aged care and disability means that service users will be given understandable and clear information about their choices so they can make the right decisions about their health, support and care. Consent is their agreement for a service provider or support worker to provide them with treatment and support, including any tests, medicines, treatments or procedures they agree to.

Also, consent is required for normal everyday tasks. Often, this is implied consent, for example a client goes with the support worker willingly to shower, etc. There are many things we do daily where consent is given without a full explanation of legal ramifications. Before giving consent, service users should make sure:

• the worker supporting them has explained each of the options available to them
• that any risks, and the likelihood of those risks, are clearly explained
• they understand the benefits
• they understand the purpose of the action they are consenting to.

Informed consent is different for different people. To ensure informed consent you may need:

• an interpreter if English is not the service user’s first language or they find it hard to communicate with support workers and other co-workers
• a friend, family member, or support person to discuss options with prior to consent being given
• to know how to use augmented or assistive technology, and be patient while the service user communicates with the technology
• to consider any associated costs or changes to lifestyle required.