Supporting a good life and death in residential aged care: An exploration of service use towards end of life

Background: The concept of a 'good death' involves end-of-life care in an appropriate setting and in keeping with the person's preferences. Limited research has examined the circumstances and place of death for older people living in residential aged care. Objective: This exploratory study investigated the nature of health service use and place of death of older people living in aged care to identify factors that lead to transfer of end-of-life care to other settings and poorer outcomes. Methods: Retrospective review of residential aged care client records between July 2014 and June 2015. Conclusion: The majority of people in this study died in their home setting of residential care and a number were in receipt of palliative care prior to their deaths. The study proposes a national approach to the use of terminology and documents related to palliative and end-of-life care and education in assessment and recognition of nearing the end of life.