New guide for embedding advance care planning into aged care

Advance Care Planning Australia and the National Ageing Research Institute have developed a resource to support aged care managers and senior staff to implement advance care planning within their organisations.

Advance Care Planning Australia and the National Ageing Research Institute have developed a resource to support aged care managers and senior staff to implement advance care planning within their organisations.

The publication explores the role of aged care in advance care planning, how to incorporate ACP into a provider’s governance and systems, and offers advice on how to engage consumers in a conversation on this topic. Staff education and involving other healthcare services and professionals are other key topics examined in the resource.

The guide also provides information and practical tips on developing, documenting and activating advance care plans.

The resource was developed using the findings of a literature review, survey of community and residential aged care organisations and consultation with staff and older people.

“Although biomedical advances enable humans to live longer, the quality of life and end of life care is an issue that is rarely addressed in older people nearing the end of life,” said Dr Frances Batchelor, NARI’s director of clinical gerontology and a member of the team that developed the guide.

“Advance care planning gives older people the opportunity to discuss and determine their preferences for medical treatment if and when they are incapacitated. It also helps ensure that time and resources are not wasted on unwanted treatment options, and reduces the emotional distress of families at a stressful period,” she said.

Download the resource, Advance care planning in aged care: A guide to support implementation in community and residential settings, here.

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