Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that most deaths in Australia occur among older people. In 2023, 68% of all deaths occurred among people aged 75 and over, with 63% of male deaths and 74% of female deaths in this age group. The median age at death was 80 years for males and 85 years for females. For individuals aged 85 and over, the most common place of death was residential aged care (50%), followed by hospitals (40%).
Palliative care
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines palliative care as an essential part of integrated, people-centred health services, aimed at relieving serious health-related physical, psychological, social, or spiritual suffering. It is needed for a range of conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, major organ failure, drug-resistant tuberculosis, severe burns, end-stage chronic illness, acute trauma, extreme birth prematurity, or frailty in old age. The Australian Government’s National Palliative Care Strategy 2018 adopts the WHO definition, which is also used by palliAGED.
Definitions in aged care
The Strengthened Aged Care Standards outline specific definitions relevant to palliative and end-of-life care.
- End of life refers to the period when an older person is living with, and impaired by, a life-limiting condition, even if the progression is unclear. This phase can last for years in cases of chronic or malignant illness or be brief in situations of acute and unexpected illnesses or events, such as sepsis, stroke or trauma. (NSQHS Standards, 2nd ed)
- Last days of life are the hours, days or, sometimes weeks when death is imminent. This is often called the ‘actively dying’ phase. (National Consensus statement, ACSQHC)
- Palliative care is defined as person- and family-centred care for individuals with an active, progressive illness who are not expected to recover. The focus is on enhancing quality of life by managing physical, emotional, spiritual, or social needs. (National Palliative Care Strategy, 2018)
Models of care and funding
Palliative care in Australia is delivered through various models, including specialist care in hospitals, ambulatory services, hospices, and community-based care. While most palliative care is provided by general health practitioners, specialist teams care for those with complex needs and support other professionals in hospitals and the community. A needs-based approach guides referrals to specialist palliative care.
Funding for palliative care varies by care setting:
- Hospitals (public and private): Funding for specialist palliative care comes through a mix of state/territory contributions and private health insurance.
- Community based palliative care: Supported by state/territory funding and private health insurance for substitute hospital treatment.
- Residential aged care: Palliative care here is funded under the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC)
- Primary health care: Covered through Medicare benefits for general consultations and chronic disease management, with additional funding from Primary Health Networks (PHNs). Out of pocket costs may also apply.
Page updated 29 October 2024