“Families are not barriers to care. They are often the last line of protection.”

To clearly state baseline expectations families and guardians are entitled to when care is publicly funded.  These are not aspirational standards.   

These are minimum conditions of ethical and lawful care. Families should expect:

• Consistent access to their loved one, free from arbitrary restriction.
• Transparent communication about health, safety and daily care.
• Respect for legal authority, including guardianship and substitute decision-making.
• Stable, qualified staffing with continuity of care.
• Adherence to approved care plans and assessments.
• Meaningful inclusion in the individual’s community life.
• Living space that is well maintain and clean.

When these conditions are absent, the issue is not “misunderstanding.” It is system failure.

AAA offers centralized practical tools families can use to protect access while ensuring transparency and holds service systems accountable.  

• Documentation templates.
• Care review checklists.
• Access and communication logs.
• Escalation pathway maps.
• Sample language for written requests.
• Guidance on recognizing systemic red flags.

These tools exist to shift power back to families, where it belongs and hold those accountable not only in care services but the government programs that fund them. 

We as a society do not tolerate abuse and we surely do not accept our public funds entering into contracts the harm our People.