Blog

Dr Annie Dullow shares her emotional yet rewarding journey of caring for her mother with dementia. She discusses the important role of carers and emphasises the need for better palliative care integration in aged care services and highlights areas for improvement to support carers. 

Findings from a recent study underscore the need for holistic support for family caregivers, and the importance of quality care, open communication, and robust support systems to positively influence their grief journey.

We can all play a role in conserving the dignity of people with advanced incurable disease or simply as people age. In this blog, Assoc Professor Deidre Morgan explains many practical ways that health professionals and family members can help to conserve the person’s dignity and support their autonomy as they near the end of their life.

Violet Platt, CEO of Palliative Care Victoria, shares insights into the 'Dignified and Respectful Decisions' project. This initiative provides practical support for individuals caring for loved ones in residential aged care through information and resources. The project helps caregivers advocate, make decisions, and collaborate with the aged care team, ensuring their loved ones' autonomy, values, and preferences are honoured.

Nurses and carers working in residential aged care are under pressure to provide care for people with very complex needs in an environment that often lacks senior staff. Palliative Care Needs Rounds (PCNRs) offer education and mentoring to improve access to specialised palliative care in residential aged care facilities. They also aim to enhance staff skills and confidence in managing pain and end-of-life symptoms. In her blog, Nikki Johnston discusses the benefits of PCNRs for both staff and residents.