What's involved in caring for someone at the end of their life? What kind of support is available for people wanting to die at home? How can people provide care for loved ones while they are in hospital?
In Episode 5 of It Can’t Hurt to Ask ... about Death and Dying, Lauren talks to Toowoomba woman Rosita about what it was like to care for her mother Johanna at home during the last year of her life.
She's also joined by clinical nurse consultant, Jane, who explains about how people can be supported by community palliative care services to care for someone who wants to die at home. Then, Dr Patty, clinical director for the Redcliffe Palliative Care Service, joins the conversation to share her insights into how people can care for their loved ones in a hospital setting.
Whether you're caring for someone, planning for the future or just want to know what it's like to support someone as they are dying, this episode will help you understand the role 642,000 Queenslanders have taken on.
Resources:
Talking about death and dying can bring up challenging emotions. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available:
- Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online.
- Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 463 for broad mental wellbeing support or to speak to a counsellor online.
- Griefline: call 1300 845 745 (9am–6pm, Monday - Friday, 12 noon–6pm weekends).
- PalAssist has general information and advice about palliative care services in Queensland. Call 1800 772 273 (free for Queensland residents) or chat online (from 7am to 7pm, 7 days).
- In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
The following services were discussed in the episode or can provide additional information and resources:
- Care at the end of life is a campaign and resource hub for Queenslanders with information about advance care planning and support for patients, carers and families.
- The Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning offers free advance care planning information and support for patients, families, carers, and health professionals. Phone: 1300 007 227 or email: acp@health.qld.gov.au.
- Apply for aged care services first by applying for an assessment. You can do this through your GP or local health service, online at the My Aged Care website, by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, in-person with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia office.
- Any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who is 50 and over can access the Elder Care Support program. The program provides support workers who can give you information about aged care and guide you through the process of accessing services.
- Support is provided for infants, children and young people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and community. Learn more via Children’s Health Queensland’s Paediatric Palliative Care Service, reach out to the Children's Health Queensland Bereavement Service via phone: 1800 080 316 or email: CHQ_Bereavement@health.qld.gov.au.
- Regional and rural patients, and their families, can access specialist palliative care services via telehealth. A referral is required from your GP, oncologist, other specialist or community nurse. Care is delivered by Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth service (SPaRTa).
- Seniors Enquiry Line is a free, statewide information and referral service for Queensland seniors, families, friends, grandparents and carers. Phone: 1300 135 500 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- Voluntary assisted dying is one of several choices a person may have at the end of their life. It is important to discuss all options with your doctor. QVAD-Support provides advice and support to Queenslanders. Phone: 1800 431 371 or email: qvadsupport@health.qld.gov.au
Disclaimer:
The stories and conversations shared by everyone in this podcast reflect their personal views, experiences and opinions. They are shared for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Queensland Health does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed by guests and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from relying on this content.
If you have questions about your health or treatment, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
