New core requirement for aged care training to enhance end-of-life care in Australia

The inclusion of palliative care as a core requirement in aged care training is a crucial step towards delivering better care to vulnerable Australians and strengthening the workforce.

Over a third of all deaths occur in residential aged care, highlighting the importance of proper training for staff. With the recent addition of palliative care skills as a core requirement for aged care training, vulnerable Australians can receive better care from a stronger and better-trained workforce.

Previously, palliative care was not a core component of education provided for those holding a Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) and Certificate IV in Ageing Support. However, Skills IQ and the Australian Government have taken action to address this gap, implementing recommendations from Palliative Care Australia (PCA) and its members.

PCA Chief Executive Officer Camilla Rowland notes that including palliative care in these qualifications supports recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. Twelve of the Commission’s recommendations highlighted the need for palliative care to become an embedded practice within aged care, making palliative care training central to achieving that goal.

Research has shown that only 1 in 50 people in residential aged care receive palliative care. The new training requirements seek to address this gap and improve people’s quality of life. As demand for in-home care increases, staff delivering that care will also undertake palliative care training, providing families with greater assurance that their loved ones are receiving appropriate care.

“A team approach is central to quality palliative care; aged care staff will now be able to make a bigger contribution to that team which is great recognition for the role they play.

“PCA looks forward to working with the Australian Government and the aged care sector on our shared commitment to deliver better aged care and strengthen all our health care systems,” Ms Rowland said.

The PCA’s May Budget Submission presents the government with a number of costly initiatives that deserve funding as part of broader health reform involving aged care, disability, Medicare, and primary care.

With this development, aged care workers can deliver better end-of-life care, improving the quality of life for vulnerable Australians.

Source: Palliative Care Australia

Ritchelle Drilon

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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.

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