Utilising literature and systems theory to explore the intersections between policy, practice and equity of access to palliative care for older adults in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

  Older adults are the ‘disadvantaged dying’ within palliative care (Gott, Ibrahim, & Binstock, 2011). International and national research indicates those older in age are negatively impacted when accessing inpatient and outpatient palliative care services. As a Palliative Care Social Worker within a hospice multidisciplinary team, I primarily work alongside patients who are older adults, their family/whānau, and caregivers. Observations within practice foregrounded this examination of palliative care and inequity of access amongst older adults that includes Māori and LGBTQ+ perspectives, COVID-19 pandemic implications, and the impacts of inequitable access for caregivers and family/whānau. Inequity is explored within academic literature, national and international strategic documents, and legislative frameworks. Utilising a social work lens to examine the impacts of inequity and ageism, this article raises awareness for equitable access to palliative care and end-of-life services for older adults.