Jo goes to a weekly friendship group at the community centre. This week there is an advocate presenting. Jo enjoyed the relaxed session.

The advocate talked about their role. This was to listen to people's concerns about their care and talk about solutions. The advocate explained there are steps people can take to make a complaint.  The advocate also discussed the options that are available to resolve things.

Together the group tried to remember which Rights they knew from the Code of Rights (the Code). Then they watched a short video about what each of the Rights mean.

One of Jo's friends asked a question about her carer who visits her at home. They said that the carer helps with showering and cleaning. If the carer who visits her to help with showering and cleaning should work under the Code as well. The advocate said yes.

Jo has a lot of joint pain and has a lot of appointments, sometimes her doctor uses words she does not understand.   She thought about the Rights they had just discussed and how they might relate to her situation.  

The advocate gave lots of tips, Jo made a note of some:

• You can ask them to repeat information in a different way if you are unsure.
• You might ask them to use simple words.
• You can ask them to write down what they are telling you so that you can go over it again later.
• You can ask whatever questions you like when you are offered care or treatment. This is to make sure you can make the best choice for you.

At the end of the session Jo took a brochure. The advocate said she is welcome to call about any care concerns. Jo talked to the advocate about how she could ask more questions about her care. Jo thought this would help her find out if there are better options for her.