Guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care

Guidelines Ref No. Evidence
level
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING
7. Systematic implementation of advance care planning that involves
communication between the resident, family, and doctor increases
satisfaction with the care provided to the resident and his / her family.
8. Regular education programs for the aged care team and residents and
their families on issues about end-of-life care and advance care plans
increases the frequency of these plans being completed and implemented,
which increases the resident’s and his / her family’s satisfaction with
end-of-life care.
9. Developing comprehensive advance care plans that include ongoing
assessments responds to changes in the resident’s health and increases
the resident and his / her family’s satisfaction with care.
68, 73 II
68 II
68 II
ADVANCED DEMENTIA
10. For residents with advanced dementia, the implementation of a palliative
approach that incorporates ongoing assessment, attention to distressing
symptoms, avoidance of hospitalisation and which emphasises and
promotes the resident’s quality of life and dignity will benefit the family as
well as the resident.
11. Remaining in their familiar surroundings is beneficial for residents with
advanced dementia because this helps maintain their care plans and
facilitates residents’ feelings of orientation and security.
12. Assessment of residents with advanced dementia using dementia-specific
pain assessment tools results in more attentive symptom relief for pain
and discomfort.
13. Aggressive medical treatment of infections is not recommended for
residents with advanced dementia. Instead, a palliative approach is
suggested for the resident’s comfort, which might include short-term
antibiotic therapy to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
14. The use of restraints within RACFs is associated with adverse outcomes for
residents such as an increase in distress and the risk of injury. Developing
a policy of restraint-free care that includes strategies and an education
program to minimise restraint use can reduce residents’ distress and the
risk of falls-related injuries.
86 QE
83 II
93 IV
44, 50 III-2
102 104 II
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS — ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
Symptom Assessment
15. The development of a treatment plan that is based on a comprehensive
and ongoing assessment of a resident’s needs and wishes, which includes
early identification of the main symptoms, provides effective symptom
management in accordance with the resident’s goals for care and their
specific treatment preferences.
16. Implementation of a palliative approach that includes adequate relief of
pain and effective symptom management increases residents and their
families’ satisfaction with the care that is provided.
112 IV
110 IV
Guidelines for a Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care