Voluntary Assisted Dying

To equip aged care staff with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to understand the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of Voluntary Assisted Dying, and to provide safe, compassionate, and person-centred support to residents and their families while respecting resident rights and organisational policies.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

* Explain what Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is, including eligibility criteria, legislative requirements, and procedural safeguards.
* Recognise the role of aged care staff in supporting residents considering VAD, including information provision, emotional support, and facilitating access to healthcare providers.
* Apply person-centred and culturally safe approaches when discussing VAD with residents and families.
* Identify ethical considerations and boundaries, including staff rights to conscientiously object and obligations to provide support in other ways.
* Demonstrate effective communication strategies for sensitive conversations about VAD, grief, and end-of-life choices.
* Document and escalate appropriately within organisational policies and regulatory requirements.
* Reflect on personal attitudes and biases regarding VAD and integrate professional, compassionate care practices when supporting residents.