The changing age profi le of the human
population globally means that the requirement
for residential long-term care (LTC)
for older adults is escalating, with an associated
increase in deaths in these facilities.
Health care assistants (HCAs), whose main
role is provision of direct care to residents,
comprise the largest staff cohort in residential
care for older adults. The purpose
of this scoping review was to explore three
key areas related to HCAs: their role and responsibilities,
end-of-life (EOL) education,
and their views and experiences of caring
for residents at EOL. The literature search included
fi ve databases and 32 studies were
ultimately reviewed. Key issues were as follows:
HCAs feel marginalized and undervalued,
they need and desire EOL education,
and resident deaths impact negatively on
them. The changing care needs for older
adults with complex comorbidities at EOL
in LTC will place an increased onus on HCAs’
skills, knowledge, and personal and professional
development.