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Author: Grace

The strength of community

12 September 2018

We sometimes find ourselves on a long and difficult journey. Whether we are a patient, carer, family member or friend, illness takes a toll on everyone involved. Often people reach out to help us but often we don’t accept support, even when we need it. To help change this situation, Andrea Grindrod from La Trobe University is encouraging families and the community to work together.
17 year old student undertakes research to understand the Australian palliative care system

30 August 2018

Nearly every day we are confronted with death. We experience it personally, hear about it on the news, watch it in the movies and read about it in books and yet still, talking about death and dying with our loved ones remains a taboo subject. Conversely for 17 year old school student, Jemma Schusterbauer, personal experiences has made her eager to learn more about the end-of-life and understand the palliative care sector – an area she once found very confronting.
Lucinda Barry is Dying to Talk during DonateLife Week

1 August 2018

For many people in palliative care, tissue and organ donation (e.g. corneal donation) is still a possibility and should be discussed as part of end-of-life conversations. Chief Executive Officer of Organ and Tissue Authority, Lucinda Barry, took some time this week to speak with Palliative Matters to discuss some of her end-of-life wishes using the Dying to Talk Discussion Starter.
Memories are timeless treasures of the heart

25 July 2018

I witnessed an inspiring and heartfelt moment as day resident, Larry Andrews, walked into the community hall at Villaggio Sant’ Antonio aged care facility and was hailed by friends, family, former work colleagues and other fellow residents. There was a standing ovation as Larry entered and made his way to the front of the room in awe of all the people that had come to see him.
Why Opioid Medicines are Important for Improving Quality of Life in Palliative Care

18 July 2018

With more understanding of how to manage pain using opioid medicines, the palliative care community can set an example for the rest of Australia to follow. Opioid medicines will always carry a risk of side effects and other issues – but by using a balanced approach, we can choose to manage that risk carefully, holistically, and with greater compassion.
Sarah Richards of Marrawuy Journeys is Dying to Talk

11 July 2018

This NAIDOC week, Sarah answers questions from the Dying to Talk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Discussion Starter which aims to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to start thinking about what would happen if they were so sick that someone else had to make decisions for them.
Last Wishes – The Afterlife Organiser

2 July 2018

Last Wishes, founded and created by Felicity Wegemund, was released earlier this year as an afterlife organiser for individuals to record their end-of-life and after death wishes all in one place. The mobile application can store information to help loved ones make decisions on an individual’s behalf by recording wishes for possessions, preferred funeral arrangements, documentations and any other desired requests.
With the end in mind – Dying, Death and Wisdom in an Age of Denial

24 May 2018

With the End in Mind, written by renowned UK palliative care specialist Kathryn Mannix, is the exploration of one of the biggest taboos in our society and the only certainty we all share: death. Told through a series of powerful stories taken from Kathryn’s clinical practice, interwoven with her own professional journey, this extraordinary book sends a vital message to the living and answers the most urgent, intimate and fascinating questions about the end-of-life process with touching honesty and humility.
With the end in mind – Palliative Matters readers treated to excerpts from the book.

24 May 2018

The author of ‘With the end in mind’,Kathryn Mannex, has chosen the following excerpts for Palliative Matters readers to enjoy.
Living with COPD

23 May 2018

Ian Venamore used to describe himself as a very active person. He enjoyed outdoor activities, playing sport and was quite the handy man around the house. It was in 2003 when he began to experience subtle symptoms which belied the seriousness of the condition he now lives with. Ian was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which is a progressive disease of the lungs causing shortness of breath. Ian shares his personal journey with COPD as he discovers the importance of knowing your body and understanding the limits of your condition and health needs.