Abstract

The provision of palliative care in long-term care facilities is increasingly recognized as essential for meeting the complex needs of residents with advanced illness. This abstract outlines a strategy for planning and optimizing the role of medical attendants in the delivery of palliative care within long-term care settings. Palliative care in long-term care facilities requires a multidisciplinary approach that integrates medical, nursing, psychosocial, and spiritual care to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of residents and their families. Medical attendants, including certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and personal care aides (PCAs), play a vital role in delivering hands-on care and providing essential support to residents at the end of life. Providing comprehensive training and education programs for medical attendants to enhance their knowledge and skills in palliative care. This includes education on pain management, symptom assessment, communication techniques, advance care planning, and psychosocial support. Clearly defining the role of medical attendants in palliative care delivery, including their responsibilities, scope of practice, and collaboration with other members of the care team. Role clarification ensures that medical attendants understand their contributions to resident care and feel empowered to provide compassionate and competent support.