The experience of care assistants who care for residents in the final stage of life in residential aged care facilities

This thesis presents the results of a study that explores the experience of care assistants who care for residents in the final stages of life in residential aged care facilities in metropolitan Perth. Care assistants, with little formal training and no regulation, play a pivotal role in the direct care of dying residents in these facilities. Yet little was known about the palliative care role and the impact that caring for residents in the final stage of life has on this health care group. The literature relating to end of life care in residential aged care facilities revealed limited research in this area. In particular, there is a lack of studies that relate specifically to the care assistants' role and their experiences of end of life care. Research to date has focused on the context of palliative care in residential aged care facilities, the workplace environment, how to provide a dignified death, relationships and the central role of the care assistant. This study used a qualitative narrative inquiry research design.

Grantor dc:publisher

Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia

Year dc:date

2007

Author dc:creator

• Walker, Helen M.

• Terminal care
• Western Australia
• Psychological aspects
• Nurses' aides
• Western Australia.
• Other Nursing

Repository record dc:identifier

https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/278

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ro.ecu.edu.au:theses-1278