It can be a tough topic, but an open and honest discussion about a loved one's last days is the best way to ensure their final wishes are followed, the district's top palliative care doctor said.
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A new survey, released today by Palliative Care Australia, found half of those who had recently lost a loved one had not discussed their end-of-life care.
A similar number, just 56 per cent, were confident their loved one's end-of-life wishes were carried out.
Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District palliative care director Dr Greg Barclay said he believed one of the main reasons people held off discussing their final wishes was to protect the feelings of their family members.
"I think one of the big factors contributing to lack of communication is a concern of upsetting partners or children by discussing this, and they are difficult discussions to have. I'd definitely encourage openness; I think you find more problems in not discussing issues than trying to hide them," he said
Dr Barclay said studies had revealed a roughly even split between the number of people wanting to die at home and those wanting to die in hospital.
"Some want to die in hospital because they feel secure with the availability of nurses and staff around them; if they've got a problem or symptom it can be attended to in a very timely fashion and they want that reassurance and support around them.
"Others will choose to go to hospital because they don't want to be a burden on their family."
But with palliative care services in place, including after hours and allied health support, many of those concerns could be addressed, Dr Barclay said.
Palliative Care Australia chief executive Dr Yvonne Luxford said the findings highlighted the importance of talking about end-of-life care with loved ones and planning for when the time comes.
"While there is nothing tougher than losing a loved one, talking about and planning for a loved one's final weeks is a simple act of love everyone can do to reduce the burden on those left behind and help make decision making simpler at a difficult time," she said.
The survey of 1000 Australians who had recently lost a loved one was designed to understand their experience preparing for, and coping with, that person's death.
The results have been released to coincide with National Palliative Care Week, which runs from May 19 to 25.
Palliative Care Australia is also about to launch a new website, mytribute.com.au, inviting people to pay tribute to a lost loved one.
FACING THE FINAL DAYS
Palliative Care Australia survey findings ...
• 51 per cent had not discussed with their loved one how they wanted to be cared for in their final weeks.
• 56 per cent were confident their loved one’s wishes had been carried out.
• 15 per cent said their loved one had an advanced care plan in place.
• 48 per cent found dealing with their own feelings the most challenging aspect.
• 30 per cent felt totally unprepared for their loved one’s final weeks.
• 60 per cent recommended talking to loved ones about how and where they wanted to be looked after in their final weeks.
Source: Palliative Care Australia
