August 2021 enews

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This month:

Palliative care and COVID-19 resources
Communication at the end of life
Providing terminal care for GPs

palliAGED Updates

Palliative care and COVID-19 resources for aged care

palliAGED has a list of information and resources to support our aged care workforce in providing palliative care and care at the end of life during this COVID-19 pandemic. Links to resources regarding vaccination, self-care, and caring for the dying and seriously ill are among those listed and are particularly useful for aged care staff in affected areas in New South Wales and Queensland.

Printed Practice Tip Sheets available to order

Printed copies of our Practice Tip Sheets for Aged Careworkers and Nurses are available to order for free. Covering 37 commonly encountered issues such as supporting patients with advanced dementia, talking about end of life, and recognising deterioration, the tip sheets been reviewed by experts in aged care, palliative care, and evidence.

Order now

palliAGED modules improving practice

Based on the palliAGED Practice Tip Sheets and covering 10 essential topics, the evidence-based palliAGED modules provide an easy way to get started in palliative care or to refresh your understanding of care concepts. The online companion Introduction Module Manual is also freely available. If you would like to add the modules to your organisation's LMS, email us to find out more.

Latest Evidence

Bennett F et al. End-of-life care communication in long-term care among nurses, residents, and families: A critical review of qualitative research. J Gerontol Nurs. 2021 Jul;47(7):43-49. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20210604-03.

Park E-J et al. Advance care planning for older adults in community-based settings: An umbrella review. Int J Older People Nurs. 2021 Jul 3;e12397. doi: 10.1111/opn.12397.

Thoms L et al. Factors associated with emergency department visits by people with dementia near the end of life: A systematic review. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2021 Jul 14;S1525-8610(21)00570-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.06.012.

Palliative Perspectives Blogs for Aged Care

The promise of technology for older Australians

The ability to remain positive when dealing with many of the issues that come with ageing can be difficult. CareSearch Research Associate and Registered Nurse Kristina Walsh discusses how technology has the potential to make ageing more positive. Read more.

Practical Points for Careworkers

Managing cachexia, sarcopenia, and anorexia

Anorexia and cachexia are common in people receiving palliative care, and sarcopenia is common in older people. Additional comfort measures may be needed and you may need to adjust approaches to care and help the person keep their self-esteem and dignity. Our Practice Tip Sheet provides some pointers.

Download now (360kb pdf)

Practical Points for Nurses

Communication at end of life

Communication between a person receiving palliative care, their family, and health professionals is at the core of a positive end-of-life experience. Our page has practical guidance on what you and your organisation can do.

Providing terminal care

Deterioration in the last days of life (terminal phase) can be rapid and can be a time of great change in the patient’s condition. Our section has resources for GPs, including information about symptoms and medicines, terminal prescribing, and medicines from the PBS Prescriber's bag.

Bereavement booklet for South Australian aged care services

Bereavement, grief, and loss affect families and residents across the aged care journey, not just after death. Flinders University's Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death, and Dying received a grant from SA Health to conduct research and develop an evidence-based booklet (9 MB pdf) to support the management of grief and bereavement. Printed copies are now available for aged care services in SA to order for free.

Aged care employee day

To highlight the important work of more than 360,000 aged care workers in Australia, Leading Aged Care Services (LASA) is spearheading the celebration of this year's Aged Care Employee Day on Saturday, 7 August. For more information and to get involved, visit the event website.

Survey on aged care COVID-19 grief and trauma supports

The Department of Health is conducting a survey to evaluate the aged care COVID-19 grief and trauma response package. The survey will assess how many aged care workers and stakeholders have used the services, and how these could be improved. It will be available until 16 August 2021.

Cue cards for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander persons with dementia

Dementia Support Australia has released a unique set of culturally appropriate communication cards for use when caring for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person living with dementia. The cards are available to download or printed copies can be ordered for free.