‘Team’ approach to dying

Wendy Waddell, Southern Cross Care (Vic) executive manager, says the organisation is adept at providing clinical support to dying residents, but wanted to focus on improving quality of life throughout this stage.

“We conducted an in depth review which found that, while our staff were competent with the clinical support and pain management of residents, we needed to expand all aspects of support including emotional, spiritual, relationships, resident wishes, likes and dislikes,” Ms Waddell says.

“Staff at each home now view end of life care as a team approach that places far greater emphasis on the human side of dying,” she adds.

This ensures that when residents die, they do so with the dignity and respect they deserve, and are fully supported and individually understood.

SCCV has introduced meals for visiting family members and fold out beds for those staying over to give them the option to stay longer.

Palliative care equipment, such as comfort mattresses, have also been provided for residents, along with music, aromatherapy and soft lighting to create a soothing and peaceful atmosphere in the room.

Ms Waddell says that staff in each home have resolved that no resident will die alone and, when family cannot be there, extra staff are rostered to ensure the resident has someone with them at all times.

“The support doesn’t end with a resident’s death. At least one staff member will always be at the funeral and a personalised memorial service is held in the aged care home, featuring a memory book with photos and accounts of the resident’s life.”

The ‘human’ approach to death in aged care earned Southern Cross Care Victoria a finalist place in the 2014 HESTA Aged Care Awards.