New resource supports nationally consistent palliative care

The PalliAGED app has been designed to assist GPs who are caring for older palliative patients living at home or in residential care.

Older Australians will be more informed and better cared for at the end of their lives thanks to a new online resource launched in Canberra today.

The “palliAGED” program, being launched by the Minister of Ageing Ken Wyatt, provides the essential information older Australians need in a number of accessible and easy to understand ways.

palliAGED lead researcher, Flinders University’s Associate Professor Jennifer Tieman, says it will ensure that evidence-based palliative care guidance reaches the people who need it most.

“This new, easy to access resource provides the key information to ensure our health professionals and aged care workforce can provide quality care for older Australians as they come to the end of their life,” says Associate Professor Tieman.

“Through programs like the Palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care (APRAC) and Palliative Approach for Aged Care in the Community (COMPAC) Guidelines, Australia has led the world in providing evidence-based support for palliative care in aged care.

“We were the first to acknowledge, compile, and promote the availability and importance of evidence that could guide and support palliative care for older people.

“Today we continue that international leadership with the launch of palliAGED.”

Deb Parker, Professor of Nursing Aged Care (Dementia) at the University of Technology Sydney, says palliAGED is a critically important resource for people in aged care and their care providers.

“It provides the link between evidence and the care being provided to older Australians,” she says.

Professor John Coveney, Interim Executive Dean of Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University – speaking at the launch of PalliAGED in Canberra today.

About palliAGED

palliAGED is funded is by the Australian Government Department of Health and managed by CareSearch, Flinders University. Working with evidence experts and members of the aged care, primary care and palliative care sectors, the CareSearch Project Team searched the world’s research literature to find the best evidence to support care. The palliAGED site will support nurses and care workers in residential aged care or community care, GPs and general practice nurses, allied health professionals and support staff with evidence, tools, guidance and practice resources about palliative care for older Australians. There is also information and resources for older people and their families.

palliAGED is free to use  and can be accessed at www.palliaged.com.au

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