The word 'Advocate' comes from a Latin word meaning 'to be called to stand beside'.

Key features of advocacy:

• Advocacy is a process of speaking up for, or representing you.
• An advocate will stand by your side and provide you with strategies to exercise your rights.
• An advocate's aim is to empower you and assist you.

The basic steps in working with an advocate

An advocate will listen to your concerns and assist you to understand the issues and then speak for you if you are unable to speak for yourself.

What advocacy is not

Complaints investigation

The Aged Care Complaints Scheme  1800 550 552 is a complaints handling process available to investigate and resolve complaints made by individuals receiving aged care.

Mediation

Mediation is a process of dispute resolution in which a neutral third party facilitates discussion between disputants to seek a mutually acceptable solution.The Mediator is neutral, does not take sides

Conciliation

A conciliator's role is not simply to encourage a settlement, but rather to participate in the process and ensure that the settlement reached is just.