A new report from Go Gentle Australia reveals that most aged care providers in Western Australia are failing to support residents' access to voluntary assisted dying (VAD). The report found that 75% of facilities had no public information on end-of-life choices or did not support on-site VAD access. Only 10% provided comprehensive information and unrestricted access.
WA ranked as the second worst state for VAD access in aged care, despite being an early adopter of the legislation. The report named nine providers in WA with no easily accessible VAD policies: Aegis, Opal Healthcare, Signature Care, Rosewood Care Group, SwanCare Group, Hall & Prior, CraigCare, Bolton Clarke, and Italian Aged Care Incorporated. Regis was the only provider listed as following best practice.
Go Gentle Australia CEO Linda Swan said the findings raise questions about compliance with state VAD laws and the federal Aged Care Act. She noted that a lack of public policies leaves residents and families navigating uncertainty during vulnerable times. “Sadly, this report shows the system is failing older Australians,” she said.
The report recommends investigating providers with multiple complaints, enforcing VAD obligations, and ensuring all aged care homes develop a VAD policy. Older Persons Advocacy Network CEO Craig Gear called for urgent change, stating that residents deserve to have their end-of-life choices respected.
