What I can learn
The palliAGED Practice Tip Sheets give helpful guidance on supporting older people with advance care planning near the end of life. There is a version for nurses as well as careworkers.
You can also build your skills with these eLearning modules (free: registration required):
Access these resources to understand the legal aspects of advance care planning:
What I can give
If an older person, their family or carers wishes to learn more about advance care planning, these resources may help:
Older people, their family and carers can also receive support and guidance from the National Advance Care Planning Support Service:
What I can suggest
Ensure processes are in place to make advance care planning documents accessible by:
- Using standardised forms
- Storing them in a safe, accessible system (e.g. My Health Record)
- Having clear processes for updating and sharing them with the full care team.
Staff confidence in advance care planning improves with proper training. Your team can:
- Offer training using the guides from Advance Care Planning Improvement (ACPI) Toolkit
- Develop scripts or templates to help staff start advance care planning discussions
- Provide mentoring or role-playing exercises to build confidence in having sensitive conversations.
Making advance care planning part of routine care planning improves outcomes. Suggest:
Page updated 17 March 2025