Privacy Policy
Your privacy and the security of your personal information are fundamental to how we operate.
Last updated: 15 January 2025
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
Real Caring is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our aged care services.
Secure Storage
All personal information is securely stored and encrypted.
Limited Access
Only authorised personnel access your information.
Compliance
Full compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles.
Information We Collect
Personal Information
- • Name, address, and contact details
- • Date of birth and age
- • Medicare and Centrelink details
- • Emergency contact information
- • Financial information for fee assessments
- • Employment history (where relevant)
Health Information
- • Medical history and current conditions
- • Medication lists and allergies
- • Mobility and functional assessments
- • Mental health and cognitive assessments
- • Care needs and preferences
- • Healthcare provider information
Service Information
- • Care plans and service agreements
- • Service delivery records
- • Progress notes and observations
- • Incident reports (if applicable)
- • Feedback and complaints
How We Use Your Information
Primary Purposes
Care Delivery
- • Assess your care needs
- • Develop personalised care plans
- • Deliver agreed services
- • Monitor care quality and safety
Administration
- • Process service applications
- • Calculate fees and charges
- • Manage service agreements
- • Handle billing and payments
Secondary Purposes
- • Compliance with aged care regulations and standards
- • Quality improvement and service development
- • Staff training and professional development
- • Research and policy development (with appropriate consent)
- • Communication about service changes or updates
When We Share Your Information
Important Note
We only share your information when necessary for your care, required by law, or with your explicit consent.
Healthcare Providers
We may share relevant health information with your:
- • General practitioners and specialists
- • Hospitals and medical facilities
- • Allied health professionals
- • Pharmacists
- • Other care providers in your care team
Government Agencies
We are required to share information with:
- • Department of Health (for funding and compliance)
- • Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission
- • Services Australia (for subsidy claims)
- • Other agencies as required by law
Emergency Situations
In medical emergencies, we may share necessary information with emergency services, hospitals, or family members to ensure your safety and appropriate care.
Your Privacy Rights
Access Rights
- • Request access to your personal information
- • Obtain copies of your care records
- • Understand how your information is used
- • Know who has accessed your information
Correction Rights
- • Request correction of inaccurate information
- • Update your contact details
- • Amend incomplete records
- • Add statements of disagreement
Consent Rights
- • Withdraw consent for certain uses
- • Limit information sharing
- • Opt out of non-essential communications
- • Control research participation
Complaint Rights
- • Lodge privacy complaints with us
- • Contact the Privacy Commissioner
- • Seek independent advocacy support
- • Request investigation of breaches
How We Protect Your Information
Security Measures
We protect your personal information with:
Physical Security
- • Secure filing systems
- • Restricted access areas
- • Locked storage cabinets
- • Surveillance systems
Digital Security
- • Encryption of sensitive data
- • Secure network connections
- • Regular security updates
- • Access logging and monitoring
Staff Training and Procedures
- • Regular privacy training for all staff
- • Confidentiality agreements and codes of conduct
- • Clear procedures for handling sensitive information
- • Incident response and breach notification procedures
- • Regular audits and compliance monitoring
Contact Us About Privacy
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to access or correct your personal information, or want to make a privacy complaint, please contact us:
Privacy Officer
External Complaints
If you're not satisfied with our response, you can contact:
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Phone: 1300 363 992
Website: oaic.gov.au
Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any significant changes and ensure you have access to the most current version.
This Privacy Policy was last updated on 15 January 2025.