Guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care

In March 2002, the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing commissioned
a study, led by Dr Kate Sullivan, into the palliative care needs of Indigenous Australians across
Australia. This study identified significant issues in the delivery of a palliative approach to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and made recommendations about how these gaps
in service might be addressed [133] (Level QE). The following guidelines have been extrapolated
from this study’s findings.
Guideline:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues
63. Respectful attention to the individual needs of Indigenous Australian
residents, taking into account their beliefs regarding illness, healing,
comfort, care practices, location of care, and death and dying is required
to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents with culturally
appropriate and satisfactory care.
64. Aboriginal health workers, liaison officers, other Indigenous Australian
health care practitioners and community organisations have important
knowledge about local cultural values and individual situations and
should be involved when developing protocols and when working with
Indigenous Australian residents to deliver the best possible care.
65. Regular review of Indigenous Australian residents’ needs is required
because their needs may change over time. Communication in the
resident’s own language will enhance understanding and attention to
his / her needs.
Ref No. Evidence level
133 QE
133 QE
133 QE
Guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care 145