SATURDAY, August 8 is National Dying to Know Day, an annual event dedicated to bringing to life conversations and community actions around death, dying and bereavement.
According to event organisers, The Groundswell Project, the number of Australians aged 65 and over will double by 2050, increasing the need to plan for end-of-life while still well.
Over 70 per cent of people wish to die at home, while only 30 per cent are able to do so.
Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association’s new free online palliative care training portal, launched in July 2015, better equips participants to support family and friends nearing the end of life, and get informed about options such as being cared for at home or in the community setting.
Four online modules provide an overview of the best-practice guidelines for a palliative approach to aged care in the community setting, and include the knowledge, skills and values that are required to communicate and contribute to the care of clients in the community who have a life limiting illness and or are approaching the final stages of the normal ageing process.
Two further modules provide insight into addressing client pain and recognising and managing the deteriorating client.
“With an ageing population set to increase dramatically over the coming years, awareness of end-of-life care and best-practices for the delivery of such care must become more than just an after-thought.
“AHHA’s free, comprehensive online training portal presents a great opportunity for those working, volunteering, or otherwise involved in end-of-life care to gain a real insight into best-practice care delivery,” Alison Verhoeven, AHHA Chief Executive, said.
“Over 21,000 people have already taken advantage of this free training opportunity, and on Dying to Know Day, I strongly recommend anyone wanting to learn more about options at the end of life to register at www.palliativecareonline.com.au,” Ms Verhoeven said.
It’s time to start learning more about the end of life. It won’t kill you.
For more information on the Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association visit http://ahha.asn.au.
