End of Life in Aged Care

Growing older comes with its fair share of changes, and one of the most delicate topics is end-of-life care. It is a subject most people would rather avoid, but understanding it can bring peace of mind to both you and your loved ones.

This glossary will walk you through some important terms used in aged care when it comes to end-of-life decisions. Whether you are planning ahead or caring for someone in their later years, knowing these words can help you feel more confident about the choices ahead.

Advance Care Plan

This is a written document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment and care if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. It acts as a guide for family members and healthcare providers so that your preferences are respected.

Palliative Care

Palliative care is all about comfort and quality of life. It is not about curing an illness but rather managing pain, easing discomfort, and providing emotional and spiritual support. This care can be given at home, in a hospital, or in an aged care facility.

End-of-Life Care

This is the care provided during the final stages of life. It includes medical support, emotional assistance, and practical help to make sure a person is as comfortable as possible in their last days.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order

A DNR order is a medical instruction that tells healthcare professionals not to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if a person’s heart stops or they stop breathing. It is usually part of an advance care plan and is a personal choice based on medical conditions and individual wishes.

Hospice Care

Hospice care is a form of end-of-life care that provides comfort and dignity to those with terminal illnesses. Unlike other medical treatments, the focus is not on prolonging life but on making the final days as peaceful and pain-free as possible.

Grief and Bereavement Support

Losing a loved one is never easy, and grief support is there to help family members and friends cope with the loss. Aged care facilities and healthcare providers often offer counseling or support groups to help people through the grieving process.

Funeral Preplanning

Thinking about a funeral may not be pleasant, but planning ahead can ease the burden on your family. Preplanning allows you to make arrangements for your service, burial, or cremation according to your preferences, reducing stress for your loved ones during an emotional time.

Quality of Life

This term refers to a person’s overall well-being, including their physical comfort, emotional happiness, and sense of dignity. End-of-life care aims to maintain the best possible quality of life for as long as possible.

Final Thoughts

Talking about end-of-life care may feel uncomfortable, but having a clear understanding of the terms and choices available can make the journey smoother. Whether you are making decisions for yourself or supporting a loved one, knowledge can bring comfort in difficult times.

Would you like to learn more about aged care options? Speak with a healthcare provider or an aged care specialist to get the right support for your needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of an Advance Care Plan?

An Advance Care Plan is a written document that outlines your wishes for medical treatment and care if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. It acts as a guide for family members and healthcare providers so that your preferences are respected.

What is the difference between Palliative Care and Hospice Care?

Palliative care is focused on comfort and quality of life by managing pain, easing discomfort, and providing emotional and spiritual support, and is not about curing an illness. Hospice care is a specific form of end-of-life care for those with terminal illnesses, where the focus is on providing comfort and dignity to make the final days as peaceful and pain-free as possible, rather than prolonging life.

What does a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order mean?

A DNR order is a medical instruction that tells healthcare professionals not to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if a person’s heart stops or they stop breathing. It is typically part of an advance care plan and is a personal choice.

What is End-of-Life Care?

End-of-Life Care is the care provided during the final stages of life. It includes medical support, emotional assistance, and practical help to make sure a person is as comfortable as possible in their last days.

What support is available for coping with loss?

Grief and Bereavement Support is available to help family members and friends cope with the loss of a loved one. Aged care facilities and healthcare providers often offer counseling or support groups to help people through the grieving process.

More Glossary items

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Veteran and war widow/widower pensioners

This guide explains aged care support options for Australian veterans and war widows/widowers. It covers eligibility for government-funded aged care services, access to Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) support, and how pensions affect aged care fees. The article highlights the importance of recognising the unique needs of this group to ensure respectful and appropriate care.

System Governor

The System Governor plays a vital role in Australia’s aged care system, overseeing service quality, continuity, and fair access for older Australians. This post explains its responsibilities, including policy development, provider accountability, and initiatives like Star Ratings, ensuring that aged care services are reliable, safe, and equitable.

Substitute decision-making

Substitute decision-making is used when an older person can no longer make important decisions on their own. A substitute decision-maker steps in to make choices about medical treatment, personal care, and living arrangements. Their role is to follow the person’s known wishes or act in their best interests when those wishes are not clear. Families can plan ahead by legally appointing someone they trust, and any valid Advance Care Directive must be followed. Understanding how substitute decision-making works helps ensure the person’s rights, preferences, and wellbeing remain at the centre of care.

Supported decision-making

Supported decision making is a rights-based approach that helps you stay in control of your life as you receive aged care services. Instead of others making choices for you, this approach focuses on giving you the information, tools, and support you need to make your own decisions. This support can come from family members, friends, or independent advocates who help you understand options and express your preferences.

Statement of Rights

The Aged Care Statement of Rights outlines the protections every older person can expect when receiving funded aged care services in Australia. It affirms core rights such as independence, choice, equitable access, quality and safe care, privacy, and clear communication. The Statement also ensures that individuals can speak up, provide feedback, or make complaints without fear of unfair treatment. For providers, it establishes clear responsibilities to act in line with these rights and demonstrate genuine understanding in daily practice. This framework places the dignity, identity, and preferences of the older person at the centre of all care decisions.

Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up for your needs, preferences, and rights when receiving aged care. It helps maintain autonomy, ensure quality services, and improve communication with care providers. By asking questions, expressing preferences, raising concerns, and keeping simple records, individuals can take an active role in directing their care. When extra support is needed, family, friends, or independent advocates can help ensure the person’s voice remains central to all decisions.

Sanction or Sanctions in place

Sanctions in Australian Aged Care are serious regulatory actions taken when a provider fails to meet required quality and safety standards. This article explains what sanctions are, why they are imposed, and the steps that lead to them, including Notices to Remedy and decisions by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. It outlines common sanction conditions, their impact on providers, and what they mean for residents. The summary also answers key questions about sanction duration, consequences for ongoing non-compliance, how to find sanctioned facilities, and resident rights. The goal is to help readers clearly understand how sanctions protect the safety and wellbeing of older Australians.