Meeting the consumer directed care challenge in aged care
Consumer-directed, consumer-centred, and consumer-focused care - whatever terms are used in your sector - remains a work in progress across human services. Some sectors have embraced and refined their approach to consumer decision-making and partnerships over many years; for others, it remains a current challenge. Aged care, in particular, demonstrates some unique barriers to partnering with consumers in their care, as highlighted by this systematic review, which examined the evidence relating to consumer-directed care (CDC) in the aged care environment.
This article asserts that providers who have embraced CDC principles and innovative practices have “enhanced person-centred care, and consumer experience and autonomy.” However… “aged care is a complex sector, where older people and their families may struggle to understand available choices and to access appropriate services. Staff attitudes and rigid service designs can hinder the realisation of consumer-directed care (CDC), and cognitive and physical impairment may impede informed decision-making. These barriers collectively diminish the ability of older Australians to exercise control over their health and care options.”
The article describes several enablers to help overcome the barriers:
- Access to information is a key factor, as it is required to support older individuals and their families in making informed decisions about their care options.
- Cre packages that cater to individual preferences and needs offer opportunities for tailoring services, promoting a sense of autonomy and dignity.
- Policymakers who emphasise person-centred care and consumer-directed approaches also drive greater choice and control.
The researchers urge the aged care sector to recognise the barriers and embrace the enablers. They reinforce the importance of policymakers prioritising CDC principles and service providers to adopt innovative practices that support older adults’ autonomy.
All accessed 12/12/24: