palliAGED Resources for Standard 6
All older Australians need to have access to information about complaints systems. Staff must be confident to ensure that they can support all consumers in providing feedback and/or those making a complaint including those who may speak a language other than English and those who may have physical or cognitive issues which affect communication.
There are a range of palliAGED resources that can provide information and support knowledge and training. Many of these resources include learning opportunities for careworkers and nursing staff and organisational suggestions.
Advocacy
Advocacy is a process of supporting and enabling people to express their opinions and concerns, to access information and services, to defend and promote their rights and responsibilities, and to explore choices and options. There is an evidence page and a practice page on advocacy.
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is an act which harms an older person and is carried out by someone they trust. All health professionals, aged care staff and service providers have responsibilities with regard to elder abuse. There is an evidence page and a practice page relating to elder abuse.
Dignity and Quality of Life
There is a complex interrelationship between dignity, autonomy and personal identity. The physical environment can influence the person’s sense of self-control even at the end of life. These issues were also discussed in the February palliAGED Insight article on Living well until death (231kb pdf). There is an evidence overview and practice resources in dignity and quality of life.
Diversity
Australia is a diverse nation with different religious, spirituality, sexuality, culture, and socio-economic backgrounds and personal experiences. Holistic palliative and end-of-life care embraces the physical, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural dimensions of human life and respects diversity and individual needs. Complaints and feedback from all older Australians needs to be facilitated and respected. The Specific Needs pages provide information about different groups and this can be used to consider how feedback and complaints can be used to ensure equitable access and outcomes and embrace diverse characteristics and life experiences.
ELDAC Residential Aged Care Toolkit
The Support Systems and Quality Improvement pages in the Organisational Support section of this toolkit has materials on policies and procedures that support a positive culture around end of life for older people.