Palliative Care in Aged Care

Chapter 14: Palliative Care

Overview:

• Goals and planning for end-of-life care
• Entering the story
• Principles and guidelines of palliative care
• The team
• Spiritual care
• Site of care
• Crisis intervention
• Support by doctors
• Flexibility and review
• Death, dying, and dementia
• Terminal care or end-of-life care

Description:
What practical nursing skills are required in aged care and what principles should be applied to end‐of‐life care for aged persons? What is the goal of palliative care in a nursing home or hostel? The aim of this chapter is to present a broad understanding of palliative care and its application in aged care.

Topics:

• Introduction
• The changing demographic scene
• Goals for end-of-life care
• Planning
• Entering the story
• Principles of palliative care
• Guidelines for palliative care
• The team
• Spiritual care
• Site of care
• Crisis intervention
• Support by doctors
• Flexibility and review
• Death, dying, and dementia
• Terminal care or end-of-life care
• Conclusion

Speaker / Author:

Dr Rosalie Hudson

Dr Rosalie Hudson has had a varied nursing and theological career which is now focused on aged care and palliative care. As an aged care consultant she explores end-of-life issues for people in residential aged care, and as an author, teacher, and associate professor with the University of Melbourne (Australia) she seeks to raise the profile of gerontic nursing. Rosalie has presented and published numerous papers and articles internationally on the subjects of spirituality, palliative care, dementia, pastoral care, and ethics at the end of life. She has co-authored two books on death and dying, and has contributed chapters to several other Ausmed publications.

Rosalie has had 12 years’ experience as a director of nursing of a 50-bed nursing home and, more recently, has served as the Victorian project officer for the Australian Palliative Aged Care Project. She enjoys family life with her husband, adult children, and grandchildren.

Professional Reviews: