Advanced Care Plan Among Older Chinese in Residential Aged Care: A Retrospective Review

Worldwide in the population of older people, ethnic diversity is prevalent and therefore warrants culturally sensitive advanced care planning. This study aimed to explore advanced care planning documentation related to the cultural needs of residents of Chinese ethnicity in Australian aged care facilities.

A retrospective review of advanced care plan documentation was undertaken among 31 older Chinese residents with life-limiting illnesses across two residential aged care facilities in New South Wales, Australia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

90% of residents had advanced care planning documentation. The presence of the resident and their representative and medical care directives were well documented. Specific details on the provision of palliative care that considers the person's cultural needs and preferences were limited.

Findings suggest the need for further research that explores an optimal way of embedding culture-specific information and the development of a culturally sensitive advanced care plan for people of Chinese ethnicity.