Where would you prefer to spend your last days: in your home, or in hospital? Some people unfortunately don't have the choice but many of those who do come up against some serious challenges.
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Making the choice to have palliative care at home can be an empowering one, if you and your carer have the support. Social and physical Isolation, not seeking help, lack of knowledge of medical systems and processes are just some barriers to those wanting to care for their loved ones during their final period of life.
In 2019, the Local Health Advisory Committee in Griffith together with the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network delivered the Compassionate Communities Project aimed at building knowledge in the community around palliative care.
"We had targeted people in the community who are looking after their loved ones who are palliative and who wished to die at home," Margaret King, Chairwoman of the Griffith LHAC said.
"Research had shown that if most people had a choice whether they would prefer to die at home or in a hospital, their wish would be to die at home," Mrs King explained.
October will see the launch of the Griffith Supportive Care and Services Guide, a booklet put together as a result of the information gathered during the Compassionate Communities Project.
Many challenges are faced by carers taking care of loved ones who are palliative at home, particularly in regional communities like Griffith. Ms King and the Griffith LHAC hoped that this booklet would help guide families and carers considering to care for loved ones in palliative care at home.
"The booklet is specifically designed around areas that carers would need in that caring role," Ms King explained.
"It covers the local medical facilities, the aged care assessment process, respite options, the palliative nursing team, home modifications , pharmacies - all sorts of things were taken into account as to what someone in a caring role may need to find out," Ms King said.
The booklet is now available through palliative care nurses in Griffith, the Griffith City Library and the Yambil street Community Health Hub.
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Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
Kat is a former English teacher to international students and has taught all over the world. She is beginning a new career as a journalist with the Area News. Got something you want to chat about? She's all ears.
