Palliative care in aged care
As our population gets older, aged care is increasingly involved in caring for older people at the end of their lives. Palliative care is an important part of care for older people. Our page on Understanding palliative care helps aged care staff understand their role in palliative care and how other services can contribute to care.
Where did the model come from?
The ELDAC Care Model was developed following a review and analysis of the major policy documents in Australia. It has been mapped against the Aged Care Standards and the National Palliative Care Standards. Describing the core aspects of care visually helps nurses and careworkers to see that care continues from planning for care through recognising and providing care including care of the dying person. It also acknowledges grief, loss and bereavement.
The proposed model was discussed and approved by the ELDAC Partnership Group which included representatives from three universities, and four peak bodies and senior aged care organisations. All have specific expertise in aged care and/or palliative care.
How to use the model?
You can use the ELDAC Care Model as an individual or as a service.
As an individual, it can help you determine:
- whether a person is approaching the end of their life
- how to plan and deliver care for a person
- how a person’s care needs might change over time
- what resources would be useful in providing care, and
- whether you have education or learning needs.
As a service, you can use the model to:
- identify training and education needs
- consider the need for new procedures and practices
- review current care performance
- look at how to develop your workforce, and
- assist in meeting the Aged Care Quality Standards.
Click on any part of the interactive care model below to learn more.
Each of the ELDAC Toolkits has information and resources relating to the elements of the ELDAC Care Model.
The ELDAC Digital Dashboard has incorporated the ELDAC Care Model elements into a reporting and guidance system.