Baptistcare forms palliative care teams
Dying with dignity and in peace is a “gift”, according to Baptistcare’s chief executive, Dr Lucy Morris. To ensure a peaceful and dignified ‘end-of-life’, Baptistcare will officially launch the first of many palliative care teams across three of its 13 residential aged care facilities at the end of next month.
Dying with dignity and in peace is a “gift”, according to Baptistcare’s chief executive, Dr Lucy Morris.
To ensure a peaceful and dignified ‘end-of-life’, Baptistcare will officially launch the first of many palliative care teams across three of its 13 residential aged care facilities at the end of next month. The announcement was made last week to coincide with National Palliative Care Week.
The new initiative will hopefully share the “transformational road” and “welcome the increasing strength of relationships that come alive during this very special time in [a person’s life]”.
Dr Morris admits palliative care and the “anticipated next step of death” is often difficult for people to discuss.
“Our society is uncomfortable talking about death and we are awkward in offering support. We have marginalised death in our communities, and as a consequence we leave individuals and families feeling very alone when dealing with the practical issues arising from dying and death.
“Rather, we should see [death] as a time to celebrate the preciousness and uniqueness of life.
“Our role is to make it easier for individuals and families to talk about and to provide support, so people can deal with its implications and, most importantly, feel alive until the moment they die,” she says.
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) last week also called for more undergraduate education and continuing professional development, and educational tools and resources.
The call comes after PCA reveals GPs have important roles to play in delivering palliative care but better support is needed.
Despite already taking an active role in end-of-life care, more than one third of GPs report they receive no palliative care training at an undergraduate level, and a similar number feel they are not ‘knowledgeable enough” to deal with the situation of a patient asking about end-of-life.
New research also reveals more than half of Australians are concerned their final wishes may be ignored by their doctor.
