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End-of-life choices: Only 1 in 6 aged care homes tell you about THIS life-altering choice

Health & Wellness

End-of-life choices: Only 1 in 6 aged care homes tell you about THIS life-altering choice

  • Maan
  • By Maan
1759284717376.png End-of-life choices: Only 1 in 6 aged care homes tell you about THIS life-altering choice
Only a few homes share end-of-life options. Image source: Pexels/SHVETS production | Disclaimer: This is a stock image used for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual person, item, or event described.

Content Warning: This article discusses end-of-life care and voluntary assisted dying.




Aged care in Australia is on the brink of a transformation, but one glaring problem has been exposed.


Most residential facilities are failing to provide older Australians with essential information about their legal end-of-life options.



Families are being left in the dark, often learning about crucial choices far too late.




With major reforms to the Aged Care Act set to commence on 1 November 2025, residents will soon gain stronger rights and protections than ever before.


Just two days later, voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws will come into effect in the ACT, completing the legal framework across every state and territory except the Northern Territory.


Yet a disturbing new study presented at the Ageing Australia Conference revealed that despite VAD being legal nationwide, only 15 per cent of residential aged care providers offered access to VAD or supplied any information about it to residents.


Conducted by Go Gentle Australia in partnership with OPAN (Older Persons Advocacy Network), the research exposed critical information gaps that are leaving older Australians to make life-altering decisions without full knowledge.


In this article



The shocking scale of the problem


The study examined 72 providers responsible for caring for almost 70 per cent of the national residential aged care population, making it one of the most comprehensive investigations into this issue.


Only four providers—just 5 per cent—gave residents and their families 'comprehensive information and full access to VAD.'



'Older people have a legal right to know about VAD, where it is available and what support will be offered at the end of life.'

Dr Linda Swan, Go Gentle Australia


This means 85 per cent of aged care homes either do not provide VAD access or fail to inform residents about the legal option, despite it being available across the country.


Dr Linda Swan highlighted the human cost of this information gap, recounting conversations with residents who only discovered VAD when it was 'too late,' and families whose loved one's suffering was prolonged unnecessarily.


The lack of information has forced some frail and ill residents to move from their homes simply to access VAD—a traumatic disruption that could often be avoided with proper planning and transparency.




Understanding the legal landscape


These findings come as the aged care sector prepares for its most significant legal overhaul in decades.


The new Aged Care Act, effective 1 November 2025, will introduce a rights-based framework designed to place residents’ choices at the centre of care delivery.


Currently, residential facilities must allow all residents—whether temporary or permanent—to access information about VAD, including facilitating it if a resident requests details.


They are also required to provide access to qualified health practitioners or other relevant individuals who can explain VAD or respond to requests.



VAD by the numbers


More than 8,000 people have applied for VAD since it first became legal in Victoria in 2019, with applications increasing in all states over time.


Approximately 75 per cent of people accessing VAD were 65 or older, and over 80 per cent had cancer, emphasising why aged care residents need access to comprehensive end-of-life information.





Real-world impact on families


Craig Gear, CEO of OPAN, stressed that the issue is not about taking a stance for or against VAD, but about ensuring older Australians and their families have the clarity needed during profoundly personal times.


'Residential aged care is someone's home,' he explained, noting that inadequate information is particularly harmful for residents in rural and regional areas, where relocation to access VAD can be both 'harmful and unrealistic.'


Clear communication from providers helps older Australians avoid distressing and unnecessary transfers.


Families already navigating terminal illness face additional trauma when loved ones must relocate simply to exercise legal rights, a burden that could be minimised with transparent information.




What comprehensive information looks like


The report identified a small number of providers as examples of best practice, including Uniting ACT.NSW and OneCare Tasmania, which gave comprehensive public information and direct access to VAD.



Best practice provider approach



  • Clearly state their position on VAD on their website and in admission materials

  • Explain exactly what services they can and cannot provide

  • Outline support for residents who choose VAD, even if the provider does not participate directly

  • Provide information about external support services and care navigators

  • Explain processes for arranging transfers if required

  • Offer clear timelines and contact details





Your rights as a consumer


Australian Consumer Law and aged care legislation guarantee residents the right to make informed choices about care and accommodation.



Questions to ask aged care providers



  • What is the facility’s specific policy on voluntary assisted dying?

  • How do you support residents who wish to explore end-of-life options?

  • What information do you provide about external VAD services and care navigators?

  • What is your process if a resident’s preferences change after admission?

  • How do you facilitate access to VAD services if you do not provide them directly?



Did you know?


Did you know? VAD care navigators exist in all states to provide free support and advice to people accessing or seeking access to VAD, their families, carers, and health professionals—even if the residential facility does not participate directly.


November 2025: a new era for aged care rights


The new Aged Care Act introduces a 'rights-based framework,' prioritising residents’ choices over provider and funding considerations.


For VAD, the combination of strengthened aged care rights and the ACT’s new laws marks a pivotal change in how end-of-life issues are addressed nationwide.


Regional challenges require creative solutions


Regional and remote Australians face particular difficulties when aged care providers do not supply comprehensive VAD information.


Alternatives may require relocation, sometimes hundreds of kilometres from family or community supports.


Telehealth offers a potential solution, though federal laws currently create barriers, and recent court rulings have clarified that some telehealth consultations for VAD may not be legally permissible.


This makes transparency from local providers essential, allowing residents and families to plan ahead.




Moving forward: what this means for you


What This Means For You


Only 15 per cent of Australian residential aged care providers currently offer access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) or provide information about it, leaving the vast majority of seniors without guidance on this important legal option.


The new Aged Care Act and ACT VAD laws, coming into effect in November 2025, are designed to strengthen residents’ rights and ensure they have access to the information and support they need.


However, the current lack of transparency means some residents are forced to relocate from their homes to access VAD, creating unnecessary trauma and stress for both them and their families.


Providers that follow best practice clearly communicate their policies, offer support to residents exploring end-of-life options, and connect families with external resources, setting a standard that all aged care facilities should aspire to.


For seniors and their families, understanding these gaps is crucial—knowing which providers are transparent about VAD can make the difference between a stressful, disempowering experience and one where end-of-life choices are respected and supported.



If you want to explore how end-of-life choices are managed in more complex medical situations, there’s a detailed story that sheds light on this issue.


It looks specifically at cases where cognitive conditions affect decision-making, highlighting the legal and practical challenges involved.


Following this piece can give a clearer picture of what options are available and how families navigate these difficult decisions.


Read more: What voluntary assisted dying options are available for those with dementia?






What questions will you be asking your aged care provider about their end-of-life policies?

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I'm sure if a person wanted to know more about VAD then all they need to do is ask.

I wouldn't want them talking to my mother or any other of my relatives unless my relative wanted to know.

I would be very angry if the subject was brought up just out of the blue. If a relative was suffering and asked about it then all's good but I would not want end of life options discussed with then if they didn't ask for it.

My uncle passed away nearly 3 years ago in an aged care facility. He was in incredible pain and they spoke to him about VAD he didn't want it as it was against his faith. But then he got it in his head that they were trying to kill him. He was not peaceful after that and I can't say how many times I had to go in to calm him down ,all because they spoke to him about ending his life.

It should only be discussed if the patient ask about it
 
As a society it is a topic that we are still hesitant to talk about - anything about end of life. Although it has become better over the last few years, it still is a topic avoided by many. I agree with Suzzanne rose that the family need to be very involved and part of all discussions and stem from all parties in the family. Just having the conversation initiated by the aged care facility to the resident can be confronting and daunting and often the resident does not take it all in. It is understandable that they may get the impression that the facility is trying to get rid of them. It is a very sensitive topic and needs to be handled very carefully with all partied involved.
 
Will there be a document to sign with our GP's
 
I'm sure if a person wanted to know more about VAD then all they need to do is ask.

I wouldn't want them talking to my mother or any other of my relatives unless my relative wanted to know.

I would be very angry if the subject was brought up just out of the blue. If a relative was suffering and asked about it then all's good but I would not want end of life options discussed with then if they didn't ask for it.

My uncle passed away nearly 3 years ago in an aged care facility. He was in incredible pain and they spoke to him about VAD he didn't want it as it was against his faith. But then he got it in his head that they were trying to kill him. He was not peaceful after that and I can't say how many times I had to go in to calm him down ,all because they spoke to him about ending his life.

It should only be discussed if the patient ask about it
How will people learn they can ask about it?
 
SDC is not helping the sharing of this information with its content warning at the top of this article.
 
I'm sure if a person wanted to know more about VAD then all they need to do is ask.

I wouldn't want them talking to my mother or any other of my relatives unless my relative wanted to know.

I would be very angry if the subject was brought up just out of the blue. If a relative was suffering and asked about it then all's good but I would not want end of life options discussed with then if they didn't ask for it.

My uncle passed away nearly 3 years ago in an aged care facility. He was in incredible pain and they spoke to him about VAD he didn't want it as it was against his faith. But then he got it in his head that they were trying to kill him. He was not peaceful after that and I can't say how many times I had to go in to calm him down ,all because they spoke to him about ending his life.

It should only be discussed if the patient ask about it
The last time I was in Hospital I read my file and there was a statement I read and when I asked my missus about it. She didn't know anything about, but when asked the doctor about it they tried to say that agreed, they had had decided for me that I would be put in a DNR ward That was when they learned about my Tourette's Syndrome?
 
When I had a heart problem a few years ago the doctor came to explain to me what was needed and did I want to be revived if anything went wrong. I immediately said no. I think I had to sign a paper to say that was my wish.
 
I'm sure if a person wanted to know more about VAD then all they need to do is ask.

I wouldn't want them talking to my mother or any other of my relatives unless my relative wanted to know.

I would be very angry if the subject was brought up just out of the blue. If a relative was suffering and asked about it then all's good but I would not want end of life options discussed with then if they didn't ask for it.

My uncle passed away nearly 3 years ago in an aged care facility. He was in incredible pain and they spoke to him about VAD he didn't want it as it was against his faith. But then he got it in his head that they were trying to kill him. He was not peaceful after that and I can't say how many times I had to go in to calm him down ,all because they spoke to him about ending his life.

It should only be discussed if the patient ask about it
Yes, I agree with you Suzanne, and usually residents are given morphine if in pain at the direction of their doctor.
I have to wonder why this is suddenly being pushed. The more residents that use this option the quicker they get of Centrelink payments saving the government funding.
 
you must be joking, BY USING THEIR VOICE.
GPs are the ones who are joking.

They know SFA about the pain and agony of those suffering from a chronic illness.

EXHIBIT A....my Mum.
 
How will people learn they can ask about it?
Im sure most people already know about it. At one stage it was all over the news. Also someone who wants it to be over will state it. Then its OK to discuss it
 
Will there be a document to sign with our GP's
For end of life it needs to be signed off by two doctors. The patient needs to be given no more than 12 months to live.
The palative care get involved as well as a counsellor. It takes a couple of weeks to be approved then a date and time is given. Then an IV is put in and the injection is done through that by two members of The Palative care team. It takes all up around 45 minutes

You may ask how do I know this ? My daughter is a nurse and works in a public hospital and one if her patients had end of life. Its the same procedure if its done in an aged care home or at home
 
As a society it is a topic that we are still hesitant to talk about - anything about end of life. Although it has become better over the last few years, it still is a topic avoided by many. I agree with Suzzanne rose that the family need to be very involved and part of all discussions and stem from all parties in the family. Just having the conversation initiated by the aged care facility to the resident can be confronting and daunting and often the resident does not take it all in. It is understandable that they may get the impression that the facility is trying to get rid of them. It is a very sensitive topic and needs to be handled very carefully with all partied involved.
Just what I thought, are the facilities just trying to make more places available? If a person is interested in this avenue, they are obviously of sound mind and wish to ease their suffering, the request should come from the Resident.
 
As a society it is a topic that we are still hesitant to talk about - anything about end of life. Although it has become better over the last few years, it still is a topic avoided by many. I agree with Suzzanne rose that the family need to be very involved and part of all discussions and stem from all parties in the family. Just having the conversation initiated by the aged care facility to the resident can be confronting and daunting and often the resident does not take it all in. It is understandable that they may get the impression that the facility is trying to get rid of them. It is a very sensitive topic and needs to be handled very carefully with all partied involved.
The nursing home should NEVER raise the subject of euthanasia with a resident. If the resident wants to raise it then so be it.
However, as a former nurse I would be horrified if I was asked to participate in euthanising one of my patients. We only have to look at the numbers of veterinarians who suffer from a form of PTSD from having to euthanise animals. How much more will nurses & doctors suffer when they are expected to euthanise another human being?
I consider that to ask someone to help you end your life is very selfish as you are thinking only of yourself, not of how this will affect the staff in the residence.
 
Yes, I agree with you Suzanne, and usually residents are given morphine if in pain at the direction of their doctor.
I have to wonder why this is suddenly being pushed. The more residents that use this option the quicker they get of Centrelink payments saving the government funding.
And the quicker the nursing home can get another resident who will contribute even more from the sale of their home especially if the first resident had been there for 5 years or more & the N.H. could no longer take 2% of the money from the sale of their property. Get a new resident, get access to another "bond" & the 2% taken from that money for the next 5 years.
 
For end of life it needs to be signed off by two doctors. The patient needs to be given no more than 12 months to live.
The palative care get involved as well as a counsellor. It takes a couple of weeks to be approved then a date and time is given. Then an IV is put in and the injection is done through that by two members of The Palative care team. It takes all up around 45 minutes

You may ask how do I know this ? My daughter is a nurse and works in a public hospital and one if her patients had end of life. Its the same procedure if its done in an aged care home or at home
Don't you believe it. It aged care they just give the resident a dose of Morphine for a pain which could have been treated with Panadol or Panadeine. This was what the doctor prescribed for my mother when she complained of a pain in her hip. This was not debilitating or life threatening as I saw my mother just on the Sunday before this happened (Thursday) & she was hale & hearty & not in any type of pain. Unfortunately it happens a lot in nursing homes.
 

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