Program to facilitate conversations about death

An upcoming special TV event will explore strategies for aged care staff, carers and families around knowing when and how to have a conversation about death with the person they care for.

The program, an initiative of the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency and the Aged Care Channel, will also look at ways of managing people’s discomfort around the topic of death.

Karen Martin, ACC strategic partners manager, said it was paramount that care staff, family and friends were encouraged to have conversations about death. “When people are ready, care staff, families and friends must learn to listen so they can better assist in the final days. At ACC we are passionate about improving the quality of life of older people and this includes ensuring the wishes of people are met when they are dying,” said Ms Martin.

Quality Agency CEO Nick Ryan said that one of the most popular sessions at this year’s Better Practice conferences had been the play, Four Funerals in One Day followed by facilitated ‘conversations about death’.

“It made us think about how we can ensure more people can learn and benefit from speaking about death in an open and frank way,” Mr Ryan said. “So we have worked with the Aged Care Channel to develop and produce the program, Conversations about Death. This program is worthwhile viewing for staff, care recipients and families. It will make you think. And more importantly, it will make you talk.”

Conversations about Death airs on Wednesday 26 November. Click here to register.