Registered Supporters

Overview

Under the Aged Care Act 2024, every older person is presumed to have the ability to make their own decisions – this is known as presumed capacity.

But when an older person wants extra support to communicate or understand information, they can nominate a registered supporter. Importantly, a registered supporter is not automatically a decision-maker.

There are 3 types of Registered Supporters:

1. Supporter
   The older person agrees to share certain information and documents with this person. The supporter can help explain information and communicate decisions, but cannot make decisions for the older person.
   

2. Supporter Lite
   Similar to a Supporter, but without automatic access to the older person’s information and documents. Their role is purely supportive, based on what the older person chooses to share.
   

3. Supporter Guardian (appointed decision-makers)
   This person has legal authority to act on behalf of the older person – for example, as a guardian or under an enduring power of attorney. They must be officially recognised under Commonwealth, State or Territory arrangements and will receive information and documents that must be shared under the new Act

These new roles replace the old ‘regular representatives’ and ‘authorised representatives’ categories. Supporter Guardians (appointed decision-makers) have clearly defined responsibilities – and breaching them may result in serious penalties.