National Palliative Care Week 2019

Next week is National Palliative Care Week, 19–25 May 2019. The theme, ‘What matters most?’ continues this year, asking Australians to think about what matters most to them at the end of their lives.

The aim is to encourage people to plan ahead and discuss future wishes with their loved ones or health professionals whilst still able to make important decisions themselves.

For over twenty years, Resthaven has recognised the importance of good palliative care and especially the need to engage with residents, clients and their family members to discuss end of life care and Advance Care Directives.

Resthaven has responded to the call by Palliative Care Australia to consider the ’10 questions to ask about palliative care in residential aged care’, which include the following:

Q: Are you able to provide a palliative approach to care?

A: Yes, we pride ourselves on this, and our staff have been recognised with national awards for excellence in this area. Importantly, this form of palliative care is not restricted to the last days or weeks of a person’s life.

Q: Do I need an Advance Care Plan?

A: Yes, Resthaven recommends everyone have an Advance Care Directive / Plan.

Q: What palliative care training do staff receive?

A. Our staff receive training about palliative and end of life care that is individualised and tailored to the needs and requirements of their role at Resthaven.

Read all of Resthaven’s detailed answers to the ‘Ten Questions about Palliative Care’.

Established in 1935, Resthaven Incorporated is a not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church. Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of around 10,000 older people and their carers, working together to provide outstanding care and support.

Resthaven works together with older people and their carers throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Fleurieu, Barossa, Riverland and Limestone Coast of South Australia.