A unique initiative launched at Uniting AgeWell’s Sorell Community, Ningana in southern Tasmania was showcased at Brisbane’s Palliative Care Nursing Association Conference in May.
The 72-bed site forms a Guard of Honour when a resident passes away, to allow other residents and staff to pay their final respects to their friend.
It has attracted wide attention from the industry, with Registered Nurse Corina McKenzie being awarded a scholarship to present on the initiative at the biennial conference.
Developed by Ningana’s Palliative Care Committee, the Guard of Honour was established as part of a program to open conversations about end of life care and dying.
“Many of the residents know of each other or their families from living in the rural community before moving into Ningana,” Corina said.
“Previously, residents were notified of a fellow resident’s death through a memorial photo in a frame at the front door.
“Residents expressed their sadness at not being able to say goodbye to their friends and they often do not have the opportunity to attend their funerals.”
The Guard of Honour began with a small group of residents and staff lining up at the door but it quickly gained momentum. Now, residents gather other residents, and kitchen, maintenance, cleaning and care staff all form a line to say goodbye to the person as their body leaves the building.
“The initiative has been so successful, residents now request a Guard of Honour, and dozens of residents and staff take the opportunity to say goodbye to someone they have known, sometimes for many years,” Corina said.
“The family of a resident recently attended the Guard of Honour for their family member who died. They expressed to staff how this small action provided them comfort during a difficult time.
“It has also had a very positive impact on the residents, starting conversations about dying and their final wishes.”
The initiative has enabled care staff to develop tailored advance care plans with the residents, ensuring they remain in control of the care and support they receive, and all their wishes are met.