# Advanced Care Plan Among Older Chinese in Residential Aged Care: A Retrospective Review

## TL;DR

This study examines advanced care planning for older Chinese residents in Australian aged care facilities, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive documentation.

## Contribution

The study identifies gaps in culturally specific palliative care documentation for Chinese residents in aged care.

## Key findings

- 90% of residents had advanced care planning documentation.
- Cultural needs and preferences in palliative care were poorly documented.
- Further research is needed to develop culturally sensitive care plans for Chinese residents.

## Abstract

Worldwide in the population of older people, ethnic diversity is prevalent and therefore warrants culturally sensitive advanced care planning. This study aimed to explore advanced care planning documentation related to the cultural needs of residents of Chinese ethnicity in Australian aged care facilities.

A retrospective review of advanced care plan documentation was undertaken among 31 older Chinese residents with life-limiting illnesses across two residential aged care facilities in New South Wales, Australia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

90% of residents had advanced care planning documentation. The presence of the resident and their representative and medical care directives were well documented. Specific details on the provision of palliative care that considers the person’s cultural needs and preferences were limited.

Findings suggest the need for further research that explores an optimal way of embedding culture-specific information and the development of a culturally sensitive advanced care plan for people of Chinese ethnicity.