The Importance of Palliative Care in an Aging Society
As the Australian population continues to age, discussions about end-of-life care are becoming increasingly relevant. Despite the discomfort many Australians feel when talking about death, these conversations may soon be essential for ensuring quality care for those living with life-limiting conditions.
According to data from Palliative Care Australia, more than 450 people in Australia die each day due to a life-limiting or terminal illness. Palliative care plays a crucial role in supporting individuals facing such diagnoses by focusing on improving their comfort, dignity, and overall quality of life. However, stigma surrounding palliative care often prevents people from accessing the support they need.
Simon Waring, interim chief executive of Palliative Care Australia, highlighted the misconceptions that exist within the community. “There is certainly fear in the community, but there’s also a lot of misunderstanding,” he said. “Palliative care is actually about living well. It’s not just about dying well.”
Many people believe that palliative care is only for those in their final days or months of life. However, it can provide long-term support for patients, helping them maintain their quality of life for months or even years. Mr. Waring shared a personal example from his own family experience. When his son was diagnosed with childhood cancer, palliative care helped his family care for him and enjoy meaningful moments together.
“He was terminal, but we took him bush camping,” Mr. Waring recalled. “I got him in the estuary on a boat and he was trailing his fingers in the water. That was palliative care, but people don’t realise just how effective it can be.”
With the number of older Australians expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, access to palliative care will become even more critical. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the percentage of older Australians is projected to increase from 16 per cent in 2020 to between 21 and 23 per cent by 2066. This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for improved palliative care services.
Despite this growing demand, the current system is struggling to meet the needs of patients, especially in rural and regional areas where resources are limited. The federal government has been called upon to allocate $12.45 million annually to sustain palliative care in aged care programs, as part of broader proposals outlined in the recent budget.
To address the stigma surrounding palliative care and encourage greater awareness, experts are urging Australians to have open conversations with their loved ones about the type of care they might want to receive. “By having very simple conversations with each other … the fear begins to drop away and people will look for information,” Mr. Waring explained.
As part of National Palliative Care Week, various events will take place across Australia starting on Sunday. These include a sector breakfast in Western Australia, a summit in Victoria, and orange-illuminated structures in Queensland to raise awareness and support for palliative care initiatives.
