Affordable rental housing for older people in Australia: What do older people want?

This study aims to determine the perspectives of older community members and service providers in relation to design and location of affordable rental housing in a coastal retirement area of NSW, Australia. This was achieved by holding focus groups and interviews with older community members (n = 21) and service providers (n = 43). All participants reported a shortage of affordable rental housing suitable for older people in the area. The preferred option was for cluster units, possibly with an on-site carer, located in or close to town. Participants agreed that if choice was limited to one-bedroom with large living area or two-bedrooms with small living area, the majority of single older people would choose the former option, provided there was adequate storage. The importance of asking the right question was demonstrated by responses to options for one- or two-bedroom units. Further research is needed to identify what baby boomers think will meet their need for future affordable housing

Advance care planning in Australia: challenges of a federal legislative system

There is increasing attention in Australia and internationally on advance care planning (ACP), a process which assists competent people to make decisions about their healthcare for a possible future time when they may no longer be competent. ACP can include the use of a written document and/or use of a substitute decision-maker to make healthcare decisions at a time of future incompetence. ACP is much more prevalent in the US than in Australia or other English-speaking countries. Australia is a federation of states and territories, which all make their own health law, resulting in different legislative provision, documentation and terminology. Despite research demonstrating strong support for ACP, it is not well understood, nor is it well utilised. Even in public hospitals, incorrect terminology and documentation put health professionals at risk. A recent position statement by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) recommends uniform national legislation for legally enforceable advance directives. Unfortunately, the AMA statement also proposes allowing doctors to ignore an advance healthcare directive if the doctor believes that it is \u27inconsistent with good medical practice or advances in medical science, thereby preserving doctors\u27 clinical judgement and discretion\u27. It is a fundamental pillar of the doctor/patient relationship that it is the patient who ultimately holds the power to consent to, or refuse, treatment. Competent patients must always have the last say over what happens to their bodies. For those who fear loss of capacity, ACP can provide reassurance and take away some of the fear around the end stage of life

Advance care planning: rights and responsibilities

Advance care planning allows competent patients to record their wishes for treatment they would or would not want if, at some future time, they are no longer competent. The purpose of advance directives and legislation affecting end-of-life issues are discussed