Gerotranscendence: The Phenomenon of Advance Care Planning

Older Australians with cognitive impairment benefit from advance care planning (ACP). However, myths and misunderstandings prevail. Data for this case study involving mixed methods were collected to explore experiences of older people and family members with ACP in three residential care facilities. Close analysis of phenomena within ACP led to greater awareness of what constitutes ‘dying well’. The implications of ACP are not limited to planning for wanted or unwanted medical treatments toward/at the end of life but are expanded to the achievement of gerotranscendence. The study provides insights into mutually beneficial health care decision making for ageing populations.