Singaporean doctor studies Resthaven care approach
A Singaporean based psychiatrist has visited South Australian aged care provider, Resthaven, to look at its approach to dementia, palliative care and mental health.
Singaporean visting doctor, Dr Lay Ling Tan (left), with Resthaven palliative care nurse, Peter Jenkin, and Susan Biffin, Resthaven Marion care coordinator.
Dr Lay Ling Tan visited Resthaven Marion last week, in the state's south, touring the site with Resthaven palliative care nurse, Peter Jenkin, and Susan Biffin, Resthaven Marion care coordinator.
The group discussed sensory gardens, palliative care, and recent initiatives such as the Palliative Care Toolkit, a comprehensive, step by step guide to implementing a palliative approach in residential aged care facilities.
Dr Tan was most impressed with Resthaven's approach to residents' wellbeing, palliative care and pain management, and interested in the site's sensory gardens.
In Singapore, palliative care services are reportedly underdeveloped, and nurses in aged care facilities are not allowed to administer pain medication.
This means that many older Singaporeans generally spend the end of their lives in hospital, putting extra strain on the health system.
Sponsored by the Singaporean Health Department, Dr Tan plans to report back in the hope that some of Resthaven's initiatives may be adopted there.
Palliative Care Week is 24 to 30 May. Access the Palliative Care Week toolkit.
