Completed Research Project
Volunteering in Palliative Residential Aged Care (VPRAC) Project
Investigators: Kristjanson
LJ, Toye C, Currow
D, Oldham L.
Funding: The Australian Department of Health & Aged
Care ($210,089).
Abstract: The aim of the volunteering in palliative residential aged care (VPRAC) project was to develop a model that supports volunteers to provide a palliative approach to residential aged care. Additionally, the project team developed recommendations for piloting and evaluating the model(s). Because considerable expertise exists throughout Australia regarding volunteer programs a Network was established for residential aged care providers, volunteers, and others with relevant knowledge and expertise to inform the team. Issues such as the health conditions of residents, patterns of stay, level of disability, and numbers and needs of residents needing a palliative approach require understanding. To facilitate this understanding, interviews were conducted throughout Australia with seventy people involved in running volunteer programs in palliative or aged care settings. Additionally, twelve international experts in the field of volunteering were interviewed to incorporate their expertise where appropriate. These interviews informed the team as to the contextual issues, successful models, and appropriate evaluation methods to facilitate the drafting of a model or models for volunteer support to provide a palliative approach to residential aged care. The model(s) and piloting options were discussed during focus groups convened across Australia. Based on focus group results and advice from the specialist consultants, the Team recommended a refined model(s) for the support of volunteers to provide a palliative approach to residential aged care with options for piloting and evaluation. This process will facilitate residential aged care facilities to incorporate volunteer support for a palliative approach, should these facilities choose to do so.
