Participation in future planning by community-dwelling older Australians receiving aged care services : findings from a cross-sectional survey

Article

BRYANT, Jamie | HOBDEN, Breanne | WALLER, Amy | CLAPHAM, Matthew | SANSON-FISHER, Robert

OBJECTIVES: To determine in a sample of older community-dwelling adults: (1) the proportion who have engaged in medical and financial planning; (2) the factors associated with advance care directive (ACD) completion and substitute decision maker (SDM) appointment; and (3) for those without an ACD, what might prompt completion. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken with individuals receiving community aged care services in metropolitan and regional communities. Data collection was conducted by case managers during a home visit. RESULTS: Overall, 158 individuals (M = 78 years, SD = 8.7) participated (53.5% consent rate). Financial planning participation (will = 85%; enduring power of attorney = 66%) was higher than medical planning participation (SDM: 54%; ACD: 30%). No health status factors were significantly associated with ACD completion or SDM appointment. Diagnosis of a life-limiting illness was most likely to prompt ACD completion (77.6%). CONCLUSIONS: One third of older people residing in the community have completed an ACD. Strategies to improve uptake in this vulnerable population require further exploration.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ajag.12927

Voir la revue «Australasian journal on ageing»

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