Death and end of life: we've been encouraged to think about these issues, and talk about them, too. But do we?
According to a new report by COTA (Council on the Ageing) NSW, many older people feel there is still taboo around these discussions and they struggle to talk to their families about their wishes at end of life.
"Most of our respondents agreed that as a community we don't discuss death and dying enough," said COTA NSW chief executive Meagan Lawson.
"Many people don't even understand the types of legal documents that can be used. This makes planning of care and medical intervention much more difficult and may prevent the dying person from expressing their final wishes."
The report is based on a survey of just over 6000 older people. Most respondents had a will, although 18 per cent said theirs was not current.
However, the use of enduring guardianship and advance care directives was low, particularly in the 50-69 age group.
Ms Lawson said the consequences of not putting these legal arrangements in place can be significant. Without them, it is much more likely that the older person's wishes for the last stage of their life will not be realised, causing distress for the dying person as well as increased stress for their families.
The report also looks at whether respondents were confident to talk about palliative care and end of life issues (just over half said they were) and people's main wishes for the last stage of their life (to be free from pain and surrounded by loved ones).
It makes five recommendations to the state government: expand peer-led legal education programs; fund community education on palliative care and end-of-life issues; develop education of health professionals on these issues; promote access to bereavement counselling; and develop strategies to increase death literacy in the community.
Legal Pathways
One program assisting older people to formalise their end of life directions is the COTA NSW Legal Pathways program.
Established for 10 years, it enables eligible older people to obtain low-cost end-of-life legal documents from participating private solicitors. Unfortunately, funding has recently been withdrawn and Ms Lawson has urged the government to secure the future funding of the program.
"The Legal Pathways program has enabled thousands of people to put these legal arrangements in place over the years without incurring significant cost," she said. "It has helped many more to understand what issues they need to consider and how they can protect themselves against elder abuse."
The report, Dignity, Respect, Choice: Planning for the Final Chapter, is available HERE
