‘You matter, your care matters’ is the theme of this year’s Palliative Care Week, being held from May 21 till 28.
 
Supported by the Department of Health, National Palliative Care Week aims to raise awareness and understanding of palliative care in the Australian community.
 
According to Palliative Care Australia, of the 82% of Australians who believe in the importance of discussing their end of life preferences, only 28% have engaged in a discussion about it.
 
Just Better Care COO Alison Chandler said this year’s theme highlighted the importance of starting the discussion around end of life care.
 
“The need for palliative care can sometimes occur suddenly, so it is important for everyone to think about and share with those closest to them their wishes for their end of life care,” Ms Chandler said.
 
“Everyone will have different preferences, so it is important to know and understand what your loved one wants.
 
“For some people, reducing pain might be their main focus, while for others it could be spending their last days in their own home.”
 
Just Better Care works with its customers and their families to prevent and treat pain and other problems, to ensure the highest quality of life possible, right to the end of life.
 
“Our professional registered and enrolled nurses are skilled and experienced in working with people at what can be an emotional and difficult time for all,” Ms Chandler said.
 
“Palliative or end of life care can be difficult to discuss, but it’s important that people receive the type of care they want.
 
“Our palliative care services can include administering medication, wound care, monitoring of clinical signs, ongoing assessment of condition and wellbeing, and liaising with your doctor, specialist and other health professionals.”

For advice about how to start a conversation about end of life care, visit dyingtotalk.org.au and download the Dying to Talk Discussion Starter pack.
 
For more information on National Palliative Care Week, click here.