It’s National Palliative Care Week

The theme for National Palliative Care Week 2019 is ‘What matters most?’ The theme addresses the need for Australians to plan ahead for their end-of-life care and discuss it with their loved ones and health professionals.

Dying is a normal part of life so it is important for all Australians to have discussions about death and dying and the type of care they would want to receive if they could no longer speak for themselves.

82% of Australians think it is important to talk to their family about how they would want to be cared for at the end of their life. Only 28% have done so.

You never know what the future holds.

It is never too early to plan ahead. Talking now can help your family and friends in the future, and can make sure you get the kind of care you want.

Talking about dying might be hard, but it won’t kill you. You might even find your family is dying to talk too.

As well as talking to your family and friends, there are other activities you can do to plan ahead. Planning can reduce the stress for your family at that difficult time.

Think about what planning is right for you:

• Document your wishes: https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/

• Write a Will:  https://www.tag.nsw.gov.au/wills-landing-page.html

• Plan your Funeral: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Understanding-FuneralsNSW.pdf

• A Guide to Social Media Afterlife: http://palliativecare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/PCA001_Social-Media-Guide_FINAL.pdf

For more information: https://palliativecare.org.au/national-palliative-care-week