This week, May 20-26, shines a light on caring for people with incurable illnesses with National Palliative Care Week.
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National Palliative Care week is a time to raise awareness and understanding about palliative care in Australian communities. It is an initiative of Palliative Care Australia and supported by the Department of Health.
The theme for this year’s National Palliative Care Week is ‘What matters most?’ The theme addresses the need for Australians to plan ahead for their end-of-life care and discuss what matters with their loved ones and health professionals.
While most health care is aimed at curing illness, the care of people with an incurable illness is an important part of the way Hunter New England Area Local Health District cares for our community.
Palliative care provides support for people of all ages who have a life limiting illness. The aim of palliative care is to promote quality of life by relieving symptoms and offering emotional, psychological and spiritual care.
The Lower Mid North Coast Palliative Team provide excellent patient care that is person-centred, and they also strive to meet the needs of the family and carers.
While palliative care health professionals provide professional support, the most significant caring role is that provided by family, friends and carers. Being willing to share the journey with people you care about, in whatever way you can, will help let them know that ‘they matter to you’. Know that you can make a difference by offering your support, showing your respect, following the patient’s lead and asking how you can help. Friendship can prevent isolation. Don’t worry that you’ll say the wrong thing or that you’ll get emotional, just be there to talk and importantly, to listen.
Within the local health district palliative care is delivered by co-ordinated medical, nursing and allied health services, which in many cases is provided in community settings. The palliative care service provides symptom management, information, advice, support, referral to other support services, equipment, counselling, and a volunteer service.
People are able to access community palliative care services through their local doctor or by contacting their nearest community health centre.
A number of events were planned to promote National Palliative Care Week 2018. Manning Valley Push for Palliative Care kicked the week off with a “Riverside Car Boot trading and Market” at Bohnock.
Hunter New England Local Health District Palliative Care Service, in conjunction with Manning Great Lakes Memorial Gardens, held the annual Palliative Care Memorial Service at Manning Memorial Gardens on Wednesday May 23.
Great Lakes Hospice Inc are holding their annual trivia night fundraiser at the Forster Bridge Club on Friday, May 25. For information on tickets and tables contact Deidre Stokes on 0437 830 818.