A survey by Go Gentle, the Not For Profit advocate for end-of-life choices founded by broadcaster Andrew Denton, has determined that 85% of aged care providers do not offer Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) or information about the option, despite VAD being legalised in every state.
Of the 72 aged care providers surveyed, representing 70% of the residential aged care population, only four (or 5%) supplied comprehensive information and full access to VAD.
What are a provider's VAD responsibilities?
Under the Quality of Care Principles 2014 and the Charter of Aged Care Rights, residents have the right to choose how they live their life, including choosing access to VAD. Under the Principles, providers are required to help care recipients access health practitioner services, including services related to VAD. Under the Charter, people receiving aged care have the right to have control and make choices about their care, and to exercise their consumer rights. Aged care residents have the right to choose access to VAD, even when the provider has decided not to participate in VAD themselves.
Residents suffering unnecessarily
Go Gentle Australia CEO Dr Linda Swan said the findings are "disturbing".
“This report strongly suggests that this is not standard practice in Residential Aged Care but it must rapidly become so," she said.
Lack of access to VAD means sick and frail residents are being forced to move aged care homes to access the option. Others find out about VAD too late, leaving families upset their loved ones suffered unnecessarily.
Older people "have a right to know this information before they choose the facility that will become their home," said Dr Swan.
New Act an opportunity to reset
Uniting ACT.NSW featured in a report on the survey as examples of best practice. Uniting NSW.ACT Director Advocacy & External Relations Emma Maiden said, “We are committed to delivering person-centred care to all residents, including those who elect to access VAD and we have grown knowledge by reflecting on the experience of people choosing VAD to date."
The report says the new Aged Care Act 2024, effective on 1 November 2025, is an opportunity for aged care providers to "start afresh" on VAD.
