Palliative Care

The Modern ‘Art of Dying’

Two images of the ars moriendi - The Art of Dying

Here are 11 ideas to help us develop a better approach to dying in the modern era. In medieval times before most people could read, they used to rely on 11 little illustrations called the ‘ars moriendi’, which means ‘The Art of Dying’, to help them. To be honest, they … Read more

Heart failure

A woman wearing a striped top holds a toy heart in front of her chest

Gina has had some confronting news.   “I am a 62-year-old woman. I’ve been diagnosed with heart failure, (six months ago) and this will likely cause my death.  At what point should I start seeing palliative care specialists?  My cardiologist is coy about discussing this with me.”   The diagnosis took … Read more

Statement by Dr Melanie Wroth

Elderly person in wheelchair is at a park with their carer

Statement by Dr Melanie Wroth, Chief Clinical Advisor, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. Residential aged care providers have a significant role in caring for their residents as they approach the end of their lives, and as they die. This is a relatively common situation for residential services, and includes … Read more

PART 1: The feeding needs of people at the end-of-life.

womans hand holding a glass of water

Attitudes towards feeding at the end-of-life have changed dramatically in recent years. It wasn’t long ago that in some quarters we expected feeding would continue right to the end-of-life, even if this became challenging, or involved artificial methods. But today the goal is to achieve a more natural state as … Read more

Palliative care is now about living as well as possible

Professor-Richard-Chye-1

Expert in palliative care Richard Chye talks living. This article was inspired by our survey results asking the question ‘What is your biggest question about dying and what is your biggest fear?’ and is the fourth in a series exploring the concerns you raised. It first appeared in our Good … Read more

It’s legal to withhold life-sustaining medical treatment

This article was updated on April 25, 2023. It discusses the right to withhold life-sustaining medical treatment for yourself or another. It’s legal. You’re allowed to say ‘no’ to medical treatment. And if you’re the person responsible, you’re allowed to say no on behalf of the person you’re responsible for. … Read more

Mortals with Ross and Rachel Menzies

Rachel and Ross Menzies - Good Grief

This article was updated on April 27, 2023. It discusses death anxiety. Ross and Rachel might be friends, but Professor Ross Menzies and Dr Rachel Menzies are also father and daughter—both psychologists who have authored their third book together, the fascinating Mortals: How the Fear of Death Shaped Human Society. … Read more

Crucial end of life conversations

The many allied health professionals oncology patients have to navigate can be overwhelming. Photo - National Cancer Institute.

by Sandra Moon. This article was updated on April 13, 2023. It discusses end of life conversations. ‘I feel his organs are shutting down,’ my mother said on the phone. But how? Two days before Mum had rung me to ask for help getting Dad to the emergency ward at … Read more

We heart the Manly adolescent and young adult hospice

The Manly adolescent and young adult hospice (AYAH) is open for 15 to 24-year-olds who have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness or life-limiting condition. AYAH offer a range of services from respite care to end of life and the feedback so far has been phenomenal. Good Grief! chatted … Read more

Giving Choice and Power to the Dying

This article was updated on April 3, 2023. It discusses DIY coffins. By Sandra Moon Are you with me in thinking the funeral industry is incredibly expensive? Does giving choice and power to the dying seem like a good idea? With all this in mind would you, could you build … Read more

A Grief without a loss: John Brodgen shares.

John Brogden, Chair of Lifeline

This article was updated on 21 March 2023. On the 60 year anniversary of Lifeline Australia we revisit patron John Brogden’s lessons from grief. A lot has changed for Lifeline Australia patron Mr John Brogden since we last caught up with him in 2020. Lifeline has now ‘gone global‘ with … Read more

Last Days program launched.

HammondCare's Last Days Program.

Last Days, a HammondCare program designed to help people with “knowledge and tools to navigate a person’s last days”was launched in February and is now taking registrations from people in the community. Last Days provides “practical and effective education to improve knowledge and confidence for those caring for someone in … Read more

Who makes it out alive?

Who Makes It Out Alive?

This article was updated on March 14, 2023. It discusses palliative care patients. What a great headline. Katrin Gerber has used it with the added thought – “Predicting survival to discharge of hospital patients referred to residential aged care.” Dr Gerber and her team looked retrospectively over a two year … Read more

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