There was only one thing my friend regretted about her mother’s death. It’s something we all could learn from
Her mother, like too many Australians, missed out on quality and timely end-of-life care. Once associated with giving up, early palliative care is better for patients and their loved ones
TL;DR
- A friend's regret highlights the missed opportunity for better end-of-life care due to a lack of awareness and access to palliative services.
- While 60% of cancer patients receive palliative care, only 28% of those with organ failure and 22% with dementia and frailty do.
- Palliative care services are often initiated too late, with a median of just 12 days before death, when a three-to-four-month input is considered ideal.
- People in residential care have significantly less access to specialist palliative care compared to those using home care.
- There is a need for better funding, awareness, and advocacy to ensure all individuals receive timely and appropriate palliative care.
- Early and effective palliative care is beneficial for patients, loved ones, healthcare professionals, and can lead to cost savings.