Palliative Care Week 2020 – Mayflower FAQ’s

It is National Palliative Care week, and Palliative Care Australia’s mission this week is to educate Australians on what palliative care can provide to those who need it. Mayflower provides sensitive and considerate palliative care in our aged care homes, as well as in the community through our home care services.

Below we have some of our most frequently asked questions around palliative care.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is provided for a person with an active, progressive, advanced disease, and who is expected to pass away from the illness. Palliative care can help people with life-limiting illnesses to live as well as possible, for as long as possible – supporting their physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs.

• The primary goal of palliative care is to optimise the quality of life for the resident approaching the end of their life. This may include visits from our lifestyle team, providing music of their choosing, emotional support, a listening ear and aromatherapy.

• Palliative care is a family-centred model of care, meaning that family and carers are encouraged to support the resident and play their part as they can. At Mayflower we talk through the creation of an individual end-of-life care plan with both the resident and their family members, while respecting their individual wishes along the way.

• Some of the relief given relates to providing pain relief and relief from other symptoms such as nausea, as well as emotional support for the residents and their families who are spending time with their loved one. We work to promote a safe, quiet and peaceful environment that is dignified, respectful and compassionate.

Who is palliative care for?

Palliative care is for residents and home care clients who have been told that they have a serious illness that cannot be cured. The care approach is used to help manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Who is in the palliative care team at Mayflower?

At Mayflower, palliative care is given by a wide range of very special people. Care may include your GP, as well as our nurses, care staff, lifestyle team, specialists, all working together with family and loved ones.

Our nurses are supported by Calvary Health Care Bethlehem and other specialists if symptoms require more complex clinical management.

Where is palliative care provided?

Mayflower aged care homes provide ageing in place, meaning residents can remain in the familiarity of their own room, rather than moving to a palliative care unit. We can also support people still living in their own homes through our home care team.

Where can I find more information about Palliative Care?

For more information you can visit Palliative Care Victoria . There are a lot of common misconceptions about palliative care.

Answers to some of the more frequently asked questions can be found in Palliative Care Australians website. Visit Palliative Care Australia’s FAQ page here.