Palliative care: now’s the time to plan

Key organisations involved in aged care will work with Palliative Care Australia on a series of events during the week.

Chief executive Liz Callaghan said the week would focus on aged care, both residential and in the community.

“There are over 350,000 Australians cared for by aged care providers,” Ms Callaghan said. “Maximising their quality of life and ensuring a good death for these people is important.

“Our message this National Palliative Care Week is that palliative care can be provided to people receiving aged care services, which can help manage their symptoms to improve their quality of life.”

Ms Callaghan said people also need to be proactive about end-of-life care.

“People should ask (aged care providers) whether they make palliative care available within their service and if they support advance care planning,” she said.

“It’s also important to know what strategies they have in place to deliver care that aligns with the needs and wants of the individual.

“People entering aged care need to be able to talk with their loved ones and health team about their end-of life wishes and have a plan for when they need palliative care support.”

Ms Callaghan said many aged care providers worked hard to respond to the “complex needs” of residents, including people with dementia, chronic conditions and those approaching the end of life.

“Palliative Care Australia will use this year’s Palliative Care Week to thank those aged care providers delivering high quality, person-centred care at the end of life.

“The week will also acknowledge those palliative care providers, community groups and other care providers that work with people who deliver services to aged Australians to support them in this important work.”