Good Spirit Good Life, a Quality of life framework
The Good Spirit Good Life (GSGL) assessment framework has been developed and validated for use with older Aboriginal Australians, aged 45 years and over, who live in urban or regional areas.
The package addresses gaps in health and aged care by providing a culturally-informed approach to measuring, understanding and meeting the quality of life needs of older Aboriginal people. By understanding what older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people find important, and in listening to their world views, Services and Carers are empowered to provide holistic support that improves quality of life and achieves better outcomes.
The assessment tool measures wellbeing using 12 interconnected factors which are important to older Aboriginal people.
They include family and friends, connection to Country, community, culture, health, respect, their role as an Elder, support services, safety and security, spirituality, future wishes and basic needs being met. Keeping these factors strong will keep an older Aboriginal person’s inner spirit strong and improve their quality of life.
Figure: The Good Spirit Good Life Framework
Watch our Good Spirit Good Life introduction video Watch our Good Spirit Good Life Instructional video
The Good Spirit Good Life toolkit comprises of:
- The GSGL Assessment Tool, this document comprises of 12 questions. There are two versions of the Good Spirit Good Life assessment:
A Participant version – to be used with participants who are able to self-report on their quality of life. It is best to use this version wherever possible as self- reported measures are generally more accurate than proxy versions.
A Carer’s version – for individuals who have difficulty self-reporting, it may be more appropriate for a family member or person close to the individual to report on their quality of life. For example, if the person has moderate to severe cognitive impairment, or a disability/illness that prevents them from being able to accurately report on their own quality of life.
- An Instruction Booklet, comprising of a short guide directing the use of the Good Spirit Good Life tool in the assessment process.
- Recommendations and Strategies, a document to assist staff and service providers to understand and effectively implement the outcomes of the tool through care planning and review processes.
GSGL Tool
GSGL Carer version
GSGL Instruction booklet
GSGL Recommendations