National Palliative Care Week
Comprehensive and compassionate end-of-life care is defined as the provision of care that eases patient symptoms, focuses on comfort, and prepares the patient and the family for death.
Like all care at The Forrest Centre, compassionate end-of-life care is person-centred and has its foundations in dignity and respect. It encompasses pain and symptom management with respect for the person’s wishes, emotional support, early planning, coordination of care needs and cultural sensitivity.
Tania Tellus, our Executive Manager – Care, explained, “It’s about holistic care – focusing on the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of our residents in their final stages of life. We really focus on the days of life and making the most of them, not how many days they have left.
“End-of-life care is a normal process. It’s a part of life for many people, and it shouldn’t be feared. We are here to support people in that transition, providing support to the person who is dying as well as their families and caregivers – guiding them through the process.”
The Forrest Centre is a participant in ELDAC (End of Life Directions for Aged Care), an Australian Government program that guides aged care staff and health professionals to meet the needs of older Australians coming to the end of their lives. It reflects national policies and practices in palliative care including access to resources, toolkits and specialist training to ensure compassionate end-of-life care.
During an audit of The Forrest Centre’s end-of-life care as part of the ELDAC project, we identified that starting conversations about palliative care early – with both family members and individuals – was very important and we’ve ensured it’s a priority. Since then, we’ve had additional training for our staff about how to start these conversations in a timely way to maximise support throughout the journey.
Consistency of care across all The Forrest Centre’s residences – Mary Potter Nursing Home, Loreto Home of Compassion and The Forrest Centre Hospice – is also important, as well as support for the emotional journey of this stage of life. Tania said, “Our Pastoral Care team is important part of this picture, and the team members are always here to offer emotional and spiritual support at this very special time, not only to the individuals nearing the end of their lives but also their families and caregivers.
“In terms of spirituality and religion, we look at each person’s personal and cultural preferences and tailor the approach accordingly. We get to know the people and their families and provide them with mental and spiritual support that sits alongside but goes beyond the physical components of healthcare.”
Palliative care is a special and important part of The Forrest Centre’s service to our community.
To read more about The Forrest Centre's approach to end-of-life care, visit:
