National Palliative Care Week shines a light on matters of life and death

MLHD Palliative Care Services seeks to raise awareness about the matters of life and death and to encourage people across the district to engage in important conversations and understand the scope of palliative care services across the Riverina region.

“We understand that death and dying is a difficult subject to talk about and engage with, but this year we encourage people to confront their fears and to have some powerful conversations about death and also about living well when facing a life limiting illness,” said Tara O’Sullivan, MLHD Palliative Care Stream Manager.

“We encourage people to view some of our patient stories, as well as the national campaign ‘Live the life you please’, which is a powerful documentary showcasing the stories from people across Australia sharing the last chapter of their lives with us, launching Monday May 22.

MLHD Palliative Care services can be instrumental in balancing a variety of perspectives and incorporating the psychological, social, and spiritual concerns of patients, their families and the staff caring for them.

They are also there to support the loved ones of people near the end of their life and help them live through their grief and bereavement,” said Tara.

“We hope to broaden the community’s understanding and appreciation of palliative care, demonstrating its role in supporting the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of people living with a life-limiting illness, their families and their care team.

During National Palliative Care Week, MLHD Palliative Care Services will run a series of events to celebrate the tireless efforts of palliative care professionals and volunteers.

The events will include staff education sessions across the district, as well as memorial services for bereaved loved ones to be held at Leeton, Griffith and Wagga Wagga.

MLHD Palliative Care services can assist with:

• end of life planning
• pain and symptom management
• access to equipment
• referral to other allied health services
• access to carer respite.
• provide information and advice to carers
• bereavement counselling and support.

To arrange a referral to MLHD palliative care specialist services speak to your GP. You can visit MLHD palliative care services for more information.