National Palliative Care Week and Palliative Care SA Inc.

National Palliative Care Week runs from the 21-28 May and SAcommunity had the opportunity to find out more about the services provided by Palliative Care SA, their education forums and information sessions and the ‘Dying to Talk’ program. Read more about this important organisation below whose vision is that ‘All South Australians facing death and bereavement are supported to live, die and grieve well.’

National Palliative Care Week 21-28 May

Palliative Care SA is concerned that people are not considering palliative care soon enough because of a misconception that Palliative Care is a place to be fearful of, means you are going to die, and probably soon. 

Palliative Care SA Chief Executive, Tracey Watters says that Palliative Care does not mean imminent death, rather it is care distinct in its application because of its life affirming and holistic philosophy that speaks to the fact that you matter, your care matters, and palliative care can make a difference. 

“We completely understand people might imagine that by considering palliative care hope is dashed, but the reality is Palliative Care is about ‘living’ and focuses on providing people with emotional and spiritual support, pain relief and comfort care enabling them and their family to get on with living and make the most of time remaining.”

Ms Watters says because many of the identified palliative care services have in-patient units or a base from which their staff work people think of palliative care as a building, whereas in fact the majority of palliative care takes place in the community.

“Palliative Care is a philosophy of care, which extends beyond physical needs, encompassing emotional, spiritual and social needs as well as caring for the needs of the family. It is very common to hear people admit that Palliative Care is nothing like they expected and how they wish they had considered palliative care sooner.”

Get involved

Ms Watters says living well is a daily choice, dying well takes planning and community support for palliative care has never be as critical.  “I urge you to get behind national palliative care week.  For a very modest amount you can join your state palliative care organisation and gain the practical know how needed to be able to take action in your own community, neighbourhood, workplace, group or club.   You can also get involved by taking part in our social media campaign on face book.  Find out more at www.pallcare.asn.au.

We'd love to hear about how you are getting involved in National Palliative Care Week. Please contact Palliative Care SA with your news.

DYING TO TALK is coming to a town near you

Dying to Talk: talking about death, it won't kill you is a community engagement project encouraging all Australians to engage in conversations and talk about our dying matters.

At Palliative Care SA we are concerned that people are not considering palliative care soon enough because of a misconception that it is a place to be fearful of, means you are going to die, and probably soon. 

“Death phobia is a common barrier to dying well” says Dying to Talk facilitator, Helen Roberts. “As a society we make safety rules and regulations to avoid death like pool fences, seat belts and speed limits. So it can be healthy but avoidance of discussing death for fear of bringing it on is not.

We completely understand people might imagine that by considering palliative care hope is dashed, but the reality is palliative care is about ‘living’ and focuses on providing people with care that enables them and their family to get on with living and make the most of time remaining.

It is very common to hear people admit that palliative care is nothing like they expected and how they wish they had considered palliative care sooner.”

Using the concept of planning in advance, and guided by the Dying to Talk Discussion Starter Kit, Dying to Talk is facilitated by people experienced in end-of-life matters. 

From coffin clubs, cremation and natural burial options to fears that are borne of death's increasing invisibility at a personal level, and questions from the supernatural to superannuation, this is one morning tea you won't want to miss.  

For information about locations and dates visit http://www.pallcare.asn.au/Community/Calendar.

Dying to Talk - helping Australians work out what’s right for them.