Blog

Assessing and documenting the palliative care needs and preferences of people with life-limiting illness is important yet challenging if based on complex, lengthy assessment tools. This blog describes a more flexible approach that uses an evidence-based aide-memoire – POMSNAME. This tool has already demonstrated improvements in testing with community health nurses. 

Dr Sara Karacsony describes the Namaste Care program—a person-centred approach to bringing calm, comfort and connection to people living with advanced dementia

People living with dementia are less likely to receive palliative care than those with other diagnoses. Dr Elissa Campbell argues traditional models of palliative care designed for people with cancer do not meet the needs of people with dementia. 

Jayne Littledike describes the program and how it aims to improve quality of life for people living with advanced dementia and their carers, whether they be in their own homes or in a residential care facility. 

Eldercare, a South Australian aged care provider, received the National Palliative Care Award for its innovative palliative care services. Their dedicated palliative care team, supported by government funding, has led to high rates of advance care planning and a significant reduction in hospital transfers, improving the overall quality of care for residents and extending their expertise to other aged care providers in South Australia.