Over the past few months, the dedicated staff of the Rural Allied Health, Geriatric Emergency Department Intervention (GEDI) and Residential aged care facility Support Service (RaSS) teams have been working tirelessly to support communities in planning for their future healthcare needs.
Through Advance Care Planning (ACP) clinics, educational sessions, and community engagement, they have helped individuals take proactive steps to ensure their healthcare preferences are known and respected.
As part of National Advance Care Planning Week held from 17 – 23 March, the teams delivered informative and engaging sessions at residential aged care facilities across our region, bringing awareness to the importance of having these conversations early.
For those living in Gayndah, Eidsvold, and Monto, the ACP clinics have provided essential guidance and support in completing ACP documents.
Since January this year, the teams have successfully assisted in finalising 10–15 ACP documents, ensuring that individuals’ healthcare wishes are clearly outlined.
Rural Allied Health Social Worker Elle said while these documents are completed as part of normal business, the clinics have been held for approximately 12 months now with uptake, from community members that they wouldn’t normally see, improving.
These clinics have helped reach people before a healthcare crisis occurs, ensuring that their wishes are documented while they have the capacity to make informed decisions.
As part of our ACP Week initiatives, the RaSS team, including doctors and nurses, visited five residential aged care and independent living facilities in Bundaberg, engaging with over 100 families and residents about the importance of ACP.
Meilene Residential Aged Care Clinical Coordinator Sarah shared the significance of this topic.
"This is an important subject, helping people struggling with the processes or documentation,” she said.
“Starting the discussion during enrolment at the facility is important."
Residents who attended the sessions reported that they were insightful, practical, and reassuring, giving them and their families a greater sense of control and confidence in their healthcare planning.
Having an Advance Care Plan, such as a Statement of Choices, ensures that your healthcare preferences are clearly outlined and respected. These plans help reduce stress and uncertainty for family members when making medical decisions, can be reviewed and updated as health conditions change and support emergency responders such as Queensland Ambulance Service in following your wishes during critical situations.
By planning ahead, people can take control of their healthcare journey, ensuring that their care aligns with their values, beliefs, and personal choices.
Every conversation about ACP is a step towards empowering individuals, families, and communities to make choices that reflect their healthcare values.
Let’s continue to prioritise these important discussions and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.