Developing a protocol for people living with HIV entering residential aged care facilities

Advances in HIV antiretroviral therapy have led to an increase in survival for people living with HIV (PLWH) in Australia. Consequently there are more PLWH who are ageing and needing higher levels of care including residential aged care support. HIV community teams' current practice supporting clients through transition to residential aged care facilities (RACFs) is inconsistent, with consequent variable outcomes for clients and RACFs. Working in partnership with the client and RACFs, a new protocol (Aged Care Transition Plan) was developed to guide clinical practice and was piloted in collaboration with community HIV teams, clients and local RACFs.