Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) is a statewide, not-for-profit, independent, community-based organisation that has been working with older people across South Australia since 1990.
ARAS is funded by the Retirement Villages Unit within Office for Ageing Well, SA Health to provide free information, advocacy support and education to residents of retirement villages. This service informs residents about their rights, and how to raise their concerns with retirement village management in accordance with the Retirement Villages Act 2016 and the Retirement Villages Regulations 2017 (Regulations).
ARAS may assist on issues and concerns, including:
- fees (ongoing and exit)
- maintenance
- contractual queries
- disputes with retirement village management
- disputes or issues amongst residents, and
- complaints process.
ARAS Advocates will work with retirement village residents in a variety of ways, such as:
- address issues directly with retirement village management
- assist with mediation conducted through the Retirement Villages Unit, Office for Ageing Well
- assist with the application process to the South Australian Civil Administrative Tribunal (SACAT), and
- provide support in matters that are referred to SACAT.
Residents may prefer to self-advocate – to speak on their own behalf to resolve their concerns; an ARAS Advocate can assist them to prepare for this and outline various options and strategies in preparation for a SACAT hearing.
Whilst ARAS Advocates are not lawyers, they do have a very good understanding of the relevant legislation; however, can also refer residents to legal services, if required.
ARAS delivers the Safeguards for Ageing Well program, supported by Office for Ageing Well. Learn more about this program on ARAS’s website and search “Safeguards for Ageing Well”.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care National Aged Care Advocacy Program via Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), ARAS delivers education sessions on elder abuse prevention and, if residents are receiving home care services (My Aged Care), information can be provided on their aged care rights.
ARAS now has three regional offices located in Berri, Nuriootpa, and Victor Harbor. The offices are open by appointment only.
Nuriootpa office: 1 First Street, Nuriootpa SA 5355
Berri office: 21 Denny Street, Berri SA 5343
Victor Harbor office: 9/46-52 Ocean Street Victor Harbor SA 5211
If you would like to learn more about Retirement Village advocacy and how it can assist you with your concerns, watch an informational video on ARAS’ website.
To request an education session at your retirement village, please contact ARAS on (08) 8232 5377 or send an email.