In the Journey map Betty shared her experience of moving to a residential aged care facility (RACF) after a life that included mental illness and homelessness. For Mary and the RACF staff the experience was not always a good one. Here we look at what could have been done to improve Betty's journey.
1. Some issues are complex
Betty has specific care needs that reflect her circumstances in life. The RACF staff are understanding and try to help her become comfortable. There are many groups of people in aged care that might have specific needs, can you think of some examples?
If you need help with this, check out the palliAGED Practice Tip Sheet:
2. Difficult conversations
In RACFs deaths are expected. Taking time to talk with residents when someone is dying or dies is one way RACF staff can help them to cope. Apart from talking what else might be important at this time?
These conversations can be hard, for help look at the palliAGED Tip Sheet:
2. Difficult conversations
In RACFs deaths are expected. Taking time to talk with residents when someone is dying or dies is one way RACF staff can help them to cope. Apart from talking what else might be important at this time?
These conversations can be hard, for help look at the palliAGED Tip Sheet:
3. Experiencing grief and loss
Feelings of grief and loss can affect a person’s physical health and mental wellbeing. Betty’s change in behaviour was a signal to staff that she needed additional support. Can you remember some of the signs of grief that Betty showed?
For a list of signs to look for check out the palliAGED Tip Sheet:
4. Communication between settings
Limited communication between the RACF, ambulance and hospital staff, and Betty's reluctance to talk made decision-making harder. By sharing the information they had the RACF staff could have helped. This is continuity of care and Careworkers have a role in this too.
To find out more about your role, check out the palliAGED Practice Tip Sheet:
4. Communication between settings
Limited communication between the RACF, ambulance and hospital staff, and Betty's reluctance to talk made decision-making harder. By sharing the information they had the RACF staff could have helped. This is part of continuity of care and Careworkers have a role in this too.
To find out more about your role, check out the palliAGED Practice Tip Sheet:
5. Next steps
Now that you have thought about Betty’s experience, talk with your supervisor and co-workers about what is done in your organisation to support older people to cope when residents die. Discuss what you and your organisation could do to support people with specific needs.
Would you like to hear about other journeys in aged care and what you could do to help?
Page created 28 April 2023