In the Journey map Mary shares her experience of living in a residential aged care facility (RACF) at the age of 92 years. For Mary and her family, the experience was not always a good one. Here we look at what could have been done to improve Mary's journey and the experience of her family.
1. Frailty and falls
Older people over the age of 80 years often show signs of frailty. With frailty they are more likely to experience falls. If RACF staff had recognised this in Mary, they might have been able to take measures to minimise the risk. What signs of frailty did you notice with Mary?
If you need help with this, check out the palliAGED Practice Tip sheet:
2. Decision-making in advance
Mary did not have an Advance care plan (ACP). Discussing this with RACF staff might have been easier for Mary than with family. In the hospital Mary discussed her treatment options with the doctor.
If Mary had an ACP would she be asked about her treatment? Check your answer by looking at the palliAGED Tip Sheet:
2. Decision-making in advance
Mary did not have an Advance care plan (ACP). Discussing this with RACF staff might have been easier for Mary than with family. In the hospital Mary discussed her treatment options with the doctor.
If Mary had an ACP would she be asked about her treatment? Check your answer by looking at the palliAGED Tip Sheet:
3. Providing care at the end
Before her last transfer to hospital Mary showed signs that death was imminent. As taking medications by mouth is often not possible at this stage, staff training in the use of syringe drivers is important. What signs of imminent death did you pick up?
For help with this check out the palliAGED Tip Sheet:
4. Supporting family grief and bereavement
RACF staff did not talk about Mary's death with family members, and they were angry. To help family prepare for death and cope with their grief, take time to talk and let them ask questions. Anger is one sign of grief; do you know others?
If you need help with this, check out the palliAGED Practice Tip sheet:
4. Supporting family grief and bereavement
RACF staff did not talk about Mary's death with family members and they were angry. To help family prepare for death and cope with their grief, take time to talk and let them ask questions. Anger is one sign of grief; do you know others?
If you need help with this, check out the palliAGED Practice Tip sheet:
5. Next steps
Now that you have thought about Mary’s experience, talk with your supervisor and co-workers about what is done in your organisation to support older people at the end of life and their families. Discuss what you and your organisation could do to minimise the risk of falls.
Would you like to hear about other journeys in aged care and what you could do to help?
Page created 26 April 2023