Multiple experiences

In 2019/20 I supported my mother through the Central Northern Adelaide Renal and Transplantation Service' supportive care service to reduce the symptoms of chronic kidney disease whilst providing palliative care at home through the Calvary Palliative Home Care Service. While the CNARTS focus was on my mother's care the service did not consider the ongoing impact on my father, who was her primary carer, and link him to services to support his needs. Unfortunately my mother passed just as COVID-19 hit which meant that my father, and our family, were not able to access grief and bereavement support which led to increased social isolation. The palliative approach needs to consider the social needs of carers and family members throughout the journey and link them to appropriate supports. This work could be undertaken by a trained palliative care social worker.

I've also witnessed both my in-laws experiences of palliative care in residential aged care facilities in 2014 and 2018. There needs to be a consistency approach to palliative care in aged-care facilities that is of the same standard as our health care system. I've witnessed both my in-laws pass in pain waiting long periods of time to receive medication and access to medical professionals that are authorised to administer it. This inability to provide high standards of palliative care in non hospital settings places additional pressure on our health care system. I don't think the proposed strategic framework adequately addresses this.