A NATIONAL day of action is encouraging Australians not to wait to talk about death.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Mid North Coast Local Health District is joining the conversation this Dying to Know Day on August 8.
Dying To Know Day exists to get people talking and take action toward planning for end of life.
MNCLHD Palliative Care Development Manager Janice Kilmurray said 75 per cent of the community have not had end-of-life discussions with their loved ones and less than 10 per cent die with an advance care plan.
“Dying to Know Day provides a great opportunity to get end of life conversations started with your loved ones,” Ms Kilmurray said.
In Australia only 36 per cent of people are discussing death and dying with their family and more than half of all Australian adults will die without a Will.
Communities across Australia are answering the call on Dying to Know Day (8 August 2018) and throughout the month including MNCLHD.
The Wauchope District Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit is holding a “Living & Dying Well” forum on Dying to Know Day. The event will be held at 1.30pm in the garden at the Palliative Care Unit, with topics covered on the day including language and cultural considerations, preparing for death and the support services available. A light afternoon tea will be provided.
The Port Macquarie Base Hospital Palliative Care Liaison Team will also be hosting a “Let’s Talk” stall at Settlement City Shopping Centre from 10am to 2pm on August 8.
“We are proud to be part of Dying to Know Day and we encourage everyone to support our events, and to start their own conversation with their family and friends or in their workplace,” Ms Kilmurray said.
What is death literacy?
Death Literacy is the practical know-how needed to plan well for end-of-life.
This includes knowledge, skills, and the ability to take action. Increasing Australia’s death literacy will help improve the quality of life right up to our last moments and to feel empowered in the way we die.
Getting involved in end-of-life conversations and care is one of the best ways to become death literate.
What do we know about death in Australia?
• 75% have not had end of life discussions
• 60% think we don’t talk about death enough
• Over 70% of us die in hospital though most of us would prefer to die at home
• Very few of us die with an Advance Care Directive (less than 10 percent)
• The number of Australian aged 65 and over will double by 2050
