VICTORIANS are being urged to have their say about the services they want to support them at the end of their and their loved ones' lives.
Many people with a life-limiting disease die in hospital, when they would have preferred to die at home. Figures indicate that up to 70 per cent of Australians would prefer to die at home, but only 14 per cent do.
A public End of Life Care framework consultation session is being held online for all Victorian residents who would like to contribute towards a new statewide end-of-life framework.
A discussion paper, Greater Say for Victorians: Improving End of Life Care, will be undertaken across the state over the next two months with health professionals, carers, families and members of the public.
The paper looks at how to strengthen the framework to:
- Enable genuine choice
- Support individuals, families and carers
- Respond to diversity
- Help people to die well
- Support the workforce.
"We know that more and more Victorians want to be cared for in the embrace of family and friends in their own home at the end of their lives," said Victorian Health Minister Jill Hennessy.
"Victorians deserve the best possible end-of-life care - care that relieves pain and suffering, and provides empowering support to family, friends and carers.
"It's so important that families and the wider community talk openly and honestly about end-of-life care. It can be a difficult topic, but it affects us all."
Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers, Gabrielle Williams, said the government was looking to develop a strong end-of-life care framework to suit the state's diverse population.
"End-of-life care is not something to put off to the 'never never'. The earlier families talk about what care and support they want at the end of their life, the clearer and easier it is," she said.
Those interested in having their say should register via www.betterendoflife.vic.gov.au
The discussion paper is also available on the website or a hard copy can be requested by calling 9096-1337.
Submissions can also be emailed to EoLC.consultation@dhhs.vic.gov.au or mailed to Continuing Care - Health Service Programs, GPO BOX 4057, Melbourne Vic 3001.
Submissions will be received until December 18.