More than a clinical activity: supporting aged care residents’ ChOice, digNity, and eNgagement with mEdiCation adminisTration (The CONNECT project)

We are interested in everyday experiences of medication administration in aged care, from the perspectives of aged care workers, residents, and their families. Our aim is to establish what strategies and supports could help with resident engagement during medication administration, supporting choice and dignity. 

We have completed observation of medication giving in residential aged care, and the project is now in the interview phase. After interviews, we will be running co-design workshops to identify priorities and strategies for residential aged care around supporting residents' medication administration preferences. 

This project was designed with input from Dementia Australia Dementia Advocates (2023). 

We are seeking 6 older adults and 6 family members to take part in an interview about their experiences and perceptions of medication giving in residential aged care. Interviews will be up to 60mins, over the phone or zoom at a time that best suits participants. A $20 Coles Myer gift card will be offered as thanks for their time. 

Inclusion criteria: Older adults

• Older adult living in residential aged care
• Has medication given to them daily by aged care staff.
• Able to self-consent and take part in a phone or zoom interview.

Inclusion criteria: Family members

• A family member, next of kin, or regular visitor for an older adult living in residential aged care (older adults must have regular medication given to them by aged care staff). 
• Able to self-consent and take part in a phone or zoom interview. 

If appropriate, participants may also be invited to take part in a co-design workshop later in the year (online or in-person in Melbourne).