Palliative Care Australia’s National Palliative Care Community Survey 2022 found 88 per cent of Australians believe it’s important to start thinking and talking about their wishes and preferences for care (if they were to become seriously or terminally ill). 81 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement that people should put their care wishes at the end of their life in writing.
75 per cent of respondents agreed that people should talk to health professionals about their health care wishes at the end of their life, and 74 per cent agreed that health professionals should ask people about their health care wishes at the end of their life.
Eighty-three per cent of Australians believe that planning ahead for end-of-life reduces the stress/burden on family, gives you control over the care you receive at the end of our life, and gives you control over where you spend your final days.
Despite all these great intentions and a clear understanding of the advantages, only 15 per cent of Australians have completed an advance care directive. Please have the conversations with your patients or residents, encourage them to have a heart-to-heart with their family and close friends, and start on their advance care directive. And remember, our Support Service is here to assist.
Full findings from the National Palliative Care Community Survey can be found here.