Some things are too important to be left unsaid… Let’s chat about dying

Central Grampians Palliative care is using this National Palliative Care Week as an opportunity to encourage the local community to have a conversation with their loved ones and health professionals about their needs and wishes for the end of life.

Jane Bourman, East Grampians Health Service Palliative care Manager said ‘It’s important that people have thought about the care and support they would like to receive at the end of life, this includes things like the type of care they want, where they would like to be cared for, and by whom.”

Mrs Bourman explained that “Some things are too important to be left unsaid. It’s also important that these care preferences are recorded, preferably in an advance care plan, and that people share this with their loved ones and relevant health professionals.

Garry Tierney, East Grampians Health Service Palliative Clinical Team leader commented that ‘It’s never too early to chat about dying. Encouraging people to have end of life conversations ahead of time can help alleviate a lot of stress for families and carers, and avoid situations where they  are asked to make decisions about a person’s care and don’t know what they  would have wanted.”

Dr Scott Blackwell, President of Palliative Care Australia, said ‘Palliative care is about living and dying well and supporting not only the individual, but also their families and carers. It’s important that everyone knows what care and support is available, and how they can receive it, so that we can ensure all Australians receive quality care at the end of their lives.’

Central Grampians Palliative Care is holding a Breakfast at East Grampians Palliative health service on Wednesday the 23rd May to celebrate National Palliative Care Week. For more information please contact Jane Bourman on (03) 5352 9465

Further information on National Palliative Care Week is available at www.palliativecare.org.au