24 May 2016
“Living Well with Chronic Disease” is the theme for National Palliative Care Week (22-28 May).
Four out of five deaths in Australia are caused by chronic illness, but there is a misconception that only cancer patients can access palliative care. People with chronic illness often have more than one chronic illness that affects their health in different ways.
Many don’t realise that palliative care can help people with chronic illness to live well. Early access to palliative care can help people with chronic illness have a better quality of life.
Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for a person with a life-limiting illness rather than finding a cure. Patients can access palliative care early in the course of their illness and may continue with other treatments such as chemotherapy, dialysis and alternative therapies.
Palliative care can include medical treatment, management of symptoms, support services, advice, and social, emotional and spiritual support for the patient, their carers and family.
Palliative care offers people as much time as possible as they live with their life-limiting illness. Palliative care isn’t just for the individual, but also supports people like carers, friends and family.
National Palliative Care Week provides an opportunity for friends and family to encourage people with life-limiting conditions to make their end-of-life wishes known.
We cannot advocate on our loved ones’ behalf without knowing what they want. Having honest discussions means more people will be able to live the way they want until their death.
Every person with a life-limiting illness, regardless of age or diagnosis, has a fundamental right to access care that is underpinned by a palliative approach.
Visit the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network for more information about palliative care in WA, and the End of life for tools, pathways, resources and clinical information for health professionals relevant to end of life.
Also, visit the Palliative Care Australia website (external site) for more information about national events, resources or services across Australia.