Voluntary Assisted Dying Policy
About this policy
HomeMade recognises that Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is an end of life option that a person receiving aged care services at home may choose, provided that it is legal in their location and they meet the eligibility criteria set out in the VAD legislation relevant to that location. Many people who choose to access VAD also receive palliative care. A person accessing VAD will continue to receive palliative care and medical treatment, and access end of life care services e.g. specialist palliative care, social work, and/or spiritual care up until their death. VAD is distinct from palliative care. HomeMade has a separate policy and process detailing our approach to and requirements regarding palliative care.
Key Definitions
Palliative Care:
Palliative care is person and family-centred care provided for a person with an active, progressive, advanced disease, who has little or no prospect of cure and who is expected to die, and for whom the primary goal is to optimise the quality of life.
Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD):
VAD is the assistance provided by a health practitioner to a person with a terminal disease, illness or medical condition to end their life. It includes:
- self-administration, where the person takes the VAD medication themselves, and
- practitioner administration, where the person is given the medication by a health practitioner.
‘Voluntary’ means it is the person’s voluntary choice. The person must have decision-making capacity to decide to access VAD.
Key Principles
Choice and Dignity: People should be supported to receive care and end-of-life services in the place of their choice, while respecting their dignity and personal preferences.
Family and Carer Involvement: We recognise the vital role of the customer’s family and carers in providing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support. We work with them to understand their capacity and willingness to contribute to the customer’s care.
Person-Centred: Palliative care should be strongly responsive to the needs, preferences and values of people, their families and carers. A person and family-centred approach to palliative care is based on effective communication, shared decision-making and personal autonomy.
Accessible: Palliative care should be available to all people living with an active, progressive, advanced disease, regardless of the diagnosis.
Compassionate Care: Palliative care affirms life while recognising that dying is an inevitable part of life. This means that palliative care is provided during the time that the person is living with a life-limiting illness, but it is not directed at either bringing forward or delaying death.
Standards
HomeMade is committed to adhering to the Aged Care Quality Standards (Standards), including demonstrating respect for those who are eligible for and choose to access VAD.
Standard 1 Consumer Dignity and Choice: We value diversity and treat every customer with dignity and respect, considering their identity and culture. We provide resources for different population groups and support families in communication and decision-making about care.
Standard 8 Organisational Governance: We embed safe and quality care delivery within our organisational governance. We continuously strive for quality improvement in our services.
Voluntary Assisted Policy Statement
HomeMade acknowledges and respects our customers’ rights to access voluntary assisted dying where it is legally available and where they meet their state’s eligibility criteria. We understand the significance of this deeply personal choice.
However, assisting customers with any aspects of the voluntary assisted dying process is strictly outside the scope of HomeMade staff and contracted service providers. Our primary focus is on supporting access to home care and palliative care services and respecting the autonomy and choices of our customers. Our commitment is to ensure that our customers’ decisions are honoured and their care is provided with the utmost dignity and compassion during their palliative care journey.
Legislative / Compliance obligations
HomeMade complies with all relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, professional standards, and guidelines.
Evidence and Resource Base
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (2019) Aged Care Quality Standards and Guidance Material
Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (2019) Charter of Aged Care Rights (under User Rights Principles 2019)
The Aged Care Act (1997) and the Quality of Care Principles (2014)
National Palliative Care Standards (2018)
Associated Documents
- Clinical Governance Framework
- Palliative Care Policy and Process
- SOP Dignity of Risk in Home Care
Version date: December 2023