Future Planning Conversations

It’s important to talk to older people in aged care about their wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care so their choices are known and respected. This helps make sure they get the kind of care they want and avoids treatments they don’t need or want. These conversations can also make it easier for families when a persons health suddenly changes or declines.

Discussion Starters

Many health professions find these conversations challenging because they aren't sure what to say, feel uncomfortable talking about death, or worry about upsetting the person. Helping staff feel more prepared and supported can make these conversations easier. Discussion Starters can support health professionals by providing targeted questions, designed to encourage a person to reflect on what it is important to them.

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Communication Skills - Online Module

This e-learning resource developed by the team at St George Hospital, Sydney NSW has been developed to assist nurses to enhance their communication skills in challenging conversations with patients and families facing a life–limiting illness. The module only takes 30-60 minutes to complete, does not require prior registration and covers four key communication skills that can be used in a range of challenging clinical interactions.

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This video was produced by the End of Life Directions for Aged Care and End of Life Law for Clinicians in partnership with Advance Care Planning Australia.

Advance Care Plans and Directives

Advance Care Planning and completing an Advance Care Directive is Free across Australia and guided support is available. Supporting people to document their preferences for future medical care, helps ensure their values and choices are respected, particularly when they can't speak for themselves. These documents support ethical and legal decision-making by acting as a guide for healthcare providers. They also reduce the risk of someone receiving unwanted treatments and ease family stress during crisis situations.

In this short video provided, advance care planning experts answer seven common legal questions health professionals and aged care providers have about Advance Care Directives.

Victorian Forms for Download

Additional support and guidance

Advance Care Planning Australia is a government-funded initiative that helps Australians plan for their future healthcare. The site offers resources to understand, discuss, and document medical care preferences. They also provide free support, educational tools, and guidance - tailored to each state and territory.

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Goals of Care Documentation

In Victoria, the Goals of Care tool for Residential Aged Care is a structured approach used to align medical treatments with a resident's personal values, preferences, and health status. It facilitates shared decision-making among residents, families, and healthcare providers, ensuring that the care provided reflects the individual's wishes, especially during serious illness or end-of-life situations.

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Supported Decision Making

Supported decision-making is a process that helps people with limited or fluctuating decision-making capacity, make their own choices. It involves providing appropriate support (e.g. clear information, communication aids, trusted supporters, or allowing extra time) so the person can understand their options and express their preferences. This approach respects the person's autonomy and rights, even if they need help to make decisions, and recognises that capacity can vary depending on health, time, or situation. The following tools can assist aged care professionals in providing supported decisions making principles throughout their practice.

Northern Health Tools

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The Advance ProjectVisit site

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