HammondCare launches Last Days program to boost understanding about death and dying

As a sector, we are only too aware of the need to improve literacy around death, dying and palliative care. Recognising a clear need to support families and friends of people at endof-life, and after a successful pilot in 2021, HammondCare has launched the Last Days program to equip them with knowledge and tools to navigate at this time.

Last Days provides practical and effective education to improve knowledge and confidence for those caring for someone in their last days, weeks, or months of life. The workshops enable early communication and decision making about end-of-life preferences and prepare families and carers about what to expect during the dying process from a physical, emotional and symptom management perspective.

The program is led by an experienced palliative care nurse in small group face-to-face or online sessions and includes workshops tailored to people living with dementia. HammondCare hopes the program will provide a place to reflect on and discuss death and dying, breaking down notions that preparing for end of life is technical, private and hidden.

Last Days began as a pilot with Sydney North Primary Health Network in 2021 and participants returned excellent feedback:

100% of people reported increased awareness and understanding about what to expect when someone is dying

· 90% reported increased confidence to have discussions about death, dying and end of life expectations.

Demand for quality palliative care will only increase as an ageing population with complex health needs grows. Last Days is an effective means to strengthen the support offered to families or carers of people facing end-of-life.

To find out how to refer people to the Last Days program, or partner with HammondCare to deliver it to the people in your care or in your community across Australia, please get in touch: lastdays@hammond.com.au .