The theme of this year’s National Palliative Care Week which runs from May 23 to 29 is ‘Palliative Care – It’s more than you think.’
And for those working in palliative care, it’s certainly much more than most people think – it’s care and support that helps people of all ages to live their life as well as possible for as long as possible when living with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
This year’s theme seeks to broaden the community’s perceptions, 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, Hakea Grove Aged Care will run an afternoon tea to celebrate the tireless efforts of palliative care professionals and volunteers.
The afternoon tea, will be held in the Grove Café at 2pm on Thursday, May 27 to celebrate, acknowledge, and thank everyone involved in palliative care for making a difference in people’s lives.
“Palliative care workers and services have a deep understanding of the difficult situations people near the end of their life or with a life-limiting illness often face,” says Hakea CEO, Jo Heslin.
“They can be instrumental in balancing a variety of perspectives and incorporating the psychological, social, and spiritual wishes of residents their families and the staff caring for them. They are here to help, and can also offer crucial support to help loved ones and families through their time of grief and bereavement.”
She said National Palliative Care Week also presented an opportunity to highlight the work of not only hundreds of palliative care specialists and palliative care nurses, but also the support provided by general practitioners, volunteers, allied health professionals, community workers and everyone who works within the palliative care sphere.
“Palliative care is available to people with a serious and life-limiting illness and their families, to assist in managing their symptoms, improve their quality of life and help them to live as well as possible, for as long as possible,” said Ms Heslin.
She said as Australians continued to face challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, the efforts of the nation’s palliative care workforce to deliver outstanding clinical care, support and compassion to patients and their loved ones was even more crucial.
For more information about National Palliative Care Week (23 – 29 May 2021) visit: palliativecare.org.au/national-palliative-care-week-2021
