There are many health professionals, volunteers and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners who provide services to residents/clients in aged care and who may contribute to the palliative care needs of older people. It is important that all providers are informed when a resident/client’s care status changes so that they can:
- provide effective and appropriate care
- contribute to care planning in a timely manner
- avoid unnecessary visits if their services are no longer appropriate
- are acknowledged for their contribution to the person’s care, and have the opportunity to make a final visit if appropriate.
There are many different types of services that may be provided by a visiting specialist or health professional. This may be auspiced by the RACF or at the request of the resident or family member.
- Medical specialists, especially geriatricians with an interest in dementia care, may review residents/clients at the request of the GP.
- Allied Health Physiotherapists in RAC contribute to resident care plans (mobility, exercise plans, safety and pain management) and provide direct services to residents/clients.
- Specialists from palliative care services or neurological support groups (Parkinson’s, MND, MS associations) may visit or provide telephone support to manage specific problems
Useful Tip
To ensure visits from other health providers are effective prepare properly for the visit and ensure outcomes are communicated clearly to the resident/client, family and staff providing care.
Be prepared for a visit from a visiting service provider:
- be clear about why the visit has been requested and goals to be achieved from consultation
- have appropriate documentation readily available, these include:
- care plans
- progress notes
- advance directive
- have a senior staff or care team member available to support and consult with visiting specialist
- ideally, provide a quiet and private area for consultation
- make sure the family is aware of the referral and present if appropriate
- outcomes of consultation clearly documented and care plan updated.
Page created 05 August 2019