Understanding End-of-life Care in Australia
Published: 19 June 2024
Published: 19 June 2024
The significance of being able to provide compassionate care that eases the suffering of people in their last days cannot be overstated.
When an illness is deemed incurable, an individual has reached the point of ‘end-of-life’. End-of-life care is the support available to terminally ill patients when they find themselves at the final stage of their lives.
End-of-life care aims to improve the quality of life of someone with a life-limiting illness by offering services, information, advice, referral and support (Better Health Channel 2017).
End-of-life care is distinct from palliative care, though they are frequently grouped together.
(AIHW 2016)
Healthcare professionals are uniquely placed to provide treatment of an emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological nature to patients who require end-of-life care.
Not only does end-of-life care support an individual who is nearing death, but it also caters for family and carers who are placed in the often challenging position of looking after someone in their final days.
A 2015 study ranked Australia's quality of death second out of 80 countries, based on factors including:
(AIHW 2016)
Despite this, there is still room for improvement, as some people who have experienced the end-of-life care system in Australia have found it challenging to navigate for patients and their loved ones, adding stress to an already difficult situation (ACSQHC, as cited in AIHW 2016).
The way in which end-of-life care is provided varies from state to state, and of course, access to relevant services and resources plays a significant role in this. These services and resources include:
(AIHW 2016)
It’s important to note that while 20% of deaths are people under the age of 65, end-of-life services in Australia and improvements to the system are largely geared toward older adults (AIHW 2016).
Compassion and striving toward a ‘good death’ are crucial.
There are several steps we can take to get closer to achieving this, including:
(Swerissen & Duckett 2014; AIHW 2016)
Standard 5: Clinical Care - Outcome 5.7: Palliative and End-of-life care under the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards requires aged care organisations to:
(ACQSC 2024)
Being informed that you do not have long left to live is devastating news for anyone. Even in situations where the patient is aware that their illness is progressing, this news can ignite stress and emotional responses from them and their loved ones.
You can help to support patients during this challenging time by:
Thoughtfulness and attention to detail are of utmost importance when supporting someone at the end of their life.
Carers must consider financial and estate planning, talking to other family members, treatment options and preparing for the person's absence.
When carers are faced with the difficult situation of caring for someone at the end of their life, let them know that help is available. There is a wide range of resources available to help them through this difficult process and quell feelings of fear and uncertainty.
A carer may be concerned specifically about the everyday tasks that seem unmanageable in the event of looking after someone at the end of their life. There are resources available for this, including assistance for:
(Cancer Council 2020)
Accessing help at a government and community level allows the carer to be one of many people invested in the care of someone at the end of their life rather than bear sole responsibility for the patient.
Ultimately, care, dignity and respect are the key factors in providing successful end-of-life care. Remember that this care must also extend to the patient's friends and family.
Death is an unavoidable part of life, but striving towards providing outstanding care for those approaching death (at a rate sooner than the rest of us) is a responsibility we must be brave enough to shoulder.
Question 1 of 3
What is a crucial aspect of supporting a patient receiving end-of-life care?