National Palliative Care Week (10-16 May) is a chance to encourage conversations about palliative care and why starting these discussions can make a difference.
Planning ahead for palliative care gives peace of mind for you and your family
Palliative care focuses on comfort, quality of life and supporting people living with a life-limiting illness. It can be provided alongside other treatments and at different stages of illness, not just at the end of life.
National Palliative Care Week (10–16 May) is a chance to encourage conversations about palliative care and why starting these discussions can make a difference.
Why starting the conversation early matters
Talking about palliative care early gives people time to understand their options and plan ahead, instead of having decisions rushed during a health crisis when options are limited.
These conversations help to make sure care is guided by a person’s values and wishes, including comfort, where they would like to be cared for, cultural or spiritual needs, and who they want involved in decisions if they can’t speak for themselves.
How planning ahead can help
Planning ahead puts these conversations into action. Having plans in place helps protect a person’s wishes if they become unwell and reduces uncertainty and stress for families and carers when decisions matter most.
NSW Trustee and Guardian helps people by preparing important documents that protect their choices, including:
- Wills, which set out what you want to happen to your assets after you die
- Powers of Attorney, which allow someone you trust to make financial and legal decisions if you’re unable to
- Appointments of Enduring Guardian, which let you choose who can make health and lifestyle decisions on your behalf.
This Palliative Care Week, consider starting a conversation. One discussion today can help shape care that truly reflects what matters most.