Re Aged Care spoke with Dr Priyanka Vandersman, an End of Life Directions for Aged Care Research Fellow, at the Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, Flinders University about ELDAC and its importance for the aged care workers and residents. Timed to coincide with Palliative Care Week 2023, the interview was captured at the ARIIA Facing the Future: Aged Care 2030 and Beyond Conference in Adelaide in May.
ELDAC stands for End of Life Directions for Aged Care. It is an Australian national project that aims to improve the quality of end-of-life care provided to older people in residential aged care facilities. The project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and began in 2015.
ELDAC focuses on supporting aged care providers, healthcare professionals, and families in delivering person-centred and high-quality care to older adults nearing the end of their lives. The project provides resources, tools, and training to improve the knowledge and skills of aged care staff and enhance the overall care experience.
ELDAC aims to address several key areas related to end-of-life care, including advance care planning, palliative care, and care coordination. It emphasises the importance of early conversations and planning for end-of-life care preferences, ensuring that individuals’ wishes and values are respected. The project also promotes collaboration between healthcare professionals, aged care staff, and families to ensure seamless and coordinated care.
By providing education, resources, and support, ELDAC seeks to empower aged care providers and healthcare professionals to deliver compassionate and high-quality care during this important stage of life.
The ELDAC project is a consortium led program through a partnership between 3 Universities and 4 peak bodies
- Queensland University of Technology
- The University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
- Flinders University
- Palliative Care Australia
- Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA)
- Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association (AHHA)
- Catholic Health Australia
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