palliAGED updates

People living with dementia may react to care when they are frightened or confused about what is happening. Learn more about behavioural changes and the actions you can take in our Tip Sheet.

Thank you to everyone who completed our learning modules and provided us with valuable feedback. We are delighted that 98% of you said the modules increased your knowledge and 96% believed they will influence how you provide care. These are free to access on our website anytime.

Although the introduction of the Standards is likely to be delayed, we continue our series focused on elements of Outcome 5.7. In this issue we explore information and resources to help you support and respect an older person's spiritual, cultural and psychosocial needs. This helps you provide best-practice person-centred care (Action 5.7.3).

In this issue we focus on information and resources that help to identify and manage changes in pain and end-of-life symptoms and deliver effective care that respects the needs of the older person (Action 5.7.3).

Over the next few issues, palliAGED News will focus on the elements of Outcome 5.7 in the strengthened Standards. This month we look at the importance of good communication (Action 5.7.2) for advance care planning and in ensuring the needs, goals and preferences of the older person are known and respected. Keep up to date with palliAGED between newsletters via LinkedIn.

Personal care workers in close contact with residents may be the first to notice signs that someone is approaching the end of their life. This short (2 min) video lists some of the common signs that a resident may be approaching the end of their life—information a care worker can then report to the nurse in charge.

The palliAGEDnurse app now features a series of 10 short education videos for aged care nursing staff. These resources will equip nurses with skills to provide effective care to people approaching the end of life and support families. Topics include:

• What to say to family when a resident dies
• How to do a soft towel wash
• Recognising signs of deterioration
• Pain management at the end of life
• How does culture impact on care?

palliAGED has joined the LinkedIn community with a new account. Follow us for the latest palliative care evidence and practice information to help you provide better end-of-life care to older Australians. Stay up to date with sector news, updates and learn about relevant aged care resources. 

The palliAGED team had a meaningful interaction with ACCPA National Conference delegates last week. We extend our gratitude to everyone who engaged in discussions about our evidence-based resources aimed at enhancing the quality of end-of-life care. During these conversations, we sought input on your information needs with the addition of palliative care (outcome 5.7) within Standard 5 of the revised Aged Care Quality Standards.

The responses highlighted two key areas of priority: 'Improving staff understanding of their role' (73%) and 'Initiating advance care planning discussions' (65%). Additionally, the survey indicated that 'online self-paced learning modules' (74%) and 'online videos' (73%) were the preferred resources for bridging knowledge and skills gaps in this domain.

We will be using this information in the coming months to develop our practice resources to help aged care meet the new palliative care outcome. In the meantime, we invite you to explore our Practice Centre to discover the range of resources we already offer the sector.
 

Our practice tips for nurses and careworkers are one way to introduce and develop the palliative care understanding, confidence, and capability of your workforce. Another is our Introduction Modules for aged care.