It Can't Hurt To Ask

How do you live once you know that you’re dying? How do people handle a terminal diagnosis? Can doctors predict when someone with a life-limiting illness will die? In this episode, we tackle some of the hardest and most persistent questions about death and dying. To help us answer them, our host Lauren is joined by Avalon, Clinical State Lead for the Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth service. She walks us through the meaning of language like: 'life-limiting illness', 'prognosis' and 'terminal diagnosis', and shares what it’s like to tell someone they’re dying and how people respond to the news. Senior Social Worker Laurelle explains how she supports people and their families as they grapple with the reality of a terminal diagnosis. Then, paramedic and Ambulance Wish Queensland volunteer, Sue, shares what she’s learned about how to live, from helping dying people fulfil their final wishes. Finally, we’re joined by Eva, a Queensland woman living with a terminal diagnosis, who shares her experience of living while knowing that she’s dying. If you’ve ever spent a sleepless night worrying about how you’d cope with a scary diagnosis, not known what to say when someone told you their disease was terminal or wondered how healthcare workers cope with delivering a life-limiting diagnosis, this episode is for you. Resources: Talking about death and dying can bring up challenging emotions. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available: Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online. Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 4636 for broad mental wellbeing support or speak to a counsellor online. Griefline: call 1300 845 745 (9am–6pm, Monday - Friday, 12 noon–6pm weekends). PalAssist has general information and advice about palliative care services in Queensland. Call 1800 772 273 (free for Queensland residents) or chat online (from 7am to 7pm, 7 days). In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). The following services were discussed in the episode or can provide additional information and resources: Care at the end of life is a campaign and resource hub for Queenslanders with information about advance care planning and support for patients, carers and families. The Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning offers free advance care planning information and support for patients, families, carers, and health professionals. Phone: 1300 007 227 or email: [email protected]. Ambulance Wish Queensland, the signature program of Palliative Care Queensland, has been helping palliative patients fulfil last wishes since 2018. Wish requests can be made on their website. The Metro North Health Death Café is held regularly throughout the year at Brighton Wellness Hub. Apply for aged care services first by applying for an assessment. You can do this through your GP or local health service, online at the My Aged Care website, by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, in-person with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia office. Any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who is 50 and over can access the Elder Care Support program. The program provides support workers who can give you information about aged care and guide you through the process of accessing services. Support is provided for infants, children and young people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and community. Learn more via Children’s Health Queensland’s Paediatric Palliative Care Service, reach out to the Children's Health Queensland Bereavement Service via phone: 1800 080 316 or email: [email protected]. Regional and rural patients, and their families, can access specialist palliative care services via telehealth. A referral is required from your GP, oncologist, other specialist or community nurse. Care is delivered by Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth service (SPaRTa). Seniors Enquiry Line is a free, statewide information and referral service for Queensland seniors, families, friends, grandparents and carers. Phone: 1300 135 500 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Voluntary assisted dying is one of several choices a person may have at the end of their life. It is important to discuss all options with your doctor. QVAD-Support provides advice and support to Queenslanders. Phone: 1800 431 371 or email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The stories and conversations shared by everyone in this podcast reflect their personal views, experiences and opinions. They are shared for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Queensland Health does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed by guests and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from relying on this content. If you have questions about your health or treatment, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

Our cultural, spiritual and religious practices and beliefs shape how we live, so what kind of role do they play when we're dying? And how can they shape our healthcare? In this episode, we're exploring the importance of culturally appropriate end-of-life care. Our host Lauren is joined by Dr Melissa from the Metro South Community Palliative Care Service, who explains how she gets to know what's important to her patients, their families and communities, and how this understanding can inform their end-of-life care. From Mackay Hospital, Andrew talks about how he supports his community and educates other clinicians through his role as a Specialist Palliative Care Services Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advanced Health Worker. We're also joined by Angela, a Bundaberg woman who has been with four family members throughout the end of their lives, who shares stories that show the influence family, religion and culture has had on the way she cared for her loved ones. Throughout, we'll learn about how advance care planning can make it easier for others to understand what we want and need from end-of-life care and find out how to have these conversations with people who are important to us. Resources: Talking about death and dying can bring up challenging emotions. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available: Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online. Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 4636 for broad mental wellbeing support or speak to a counsellor online. Griefline: call 1300 845 745 (9am–6pm, Monday - Friday, 12 noon–6pm weekends). PalAssist has general information and advice about palliative care services in Queensland. Call 1800 772 273 (free for Queensland residents) or chat online (from 7am to 7pm, 7 days). In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). The following services were discussed in the episode or can provide additional information and resources: The Statement of Choices documents discussed in this episode can be used as part of advance care planning to record your values and preferences for your healthcare. The Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning offers free advance care planning information and support for patients, families, carers, and health professionals. Phone: 1300 007 227 or email: [email protected]. Apply for aged care services first by applying for an assessment. You can do this through your GP or local health service, online at the My Aged Care website, by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, in-person with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia office. Any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who is 50 and over can access the Elder Care Support program. The program provides support workers who can give you information about aged care and guide you through the process of accessing services. Support is provided for infants, children and young people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and community. Learn more via Children’s Health Queensland’s Paediatric Palliative Care Service, reach out to the Children's Health Queensland Bereavement Service via phone: 1800 080 316 or email: [email protected]. Regional and rural patients, and their families, can access specialist palliative care services via telehealth. A referral is required from your GP, oncologist, other specialist or community nurse. Care is delivered by Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth service (SPaRTa). Seniors Enquiry Line is a free, statewide information and referral service for Queensland seniors, families, friends, grandparents and carers. Phone: 1300 135 500 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Voluntary assisted dying is one of several choices a person may have at the end of their life. It is important to discuss all options with your doctor. QVAD-Support provides advice and support to Queenslanders. Phone: 1800 431 371 or email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The stories and conversations shared by everyone in this podcast reflect their personal views, experiences and opinions. They are shared for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Queensland Health does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed by guests and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from relying on this content. If you have questions about your health or treatment, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

We've learned about what happens when someone is dying, but what comes next? In this episode, we learn about what happens after an expected death in a hospital or home setting. Our host Lauren talks to clinical nurse consultant Dylan from Redcliffe Palliative Care Service about the planning that takes place for after-death care and how his patients and their loved ones are included in the process. Dr Erin and nurse Jane from Metro North Community Palliative Care Service then explain what happens when someone dies in a home setting and why these deaths aren't considered an emergency. And Toowoomba woman Rosita joins us again to tell her story of caring for her mum Johanna at home and the support she continued to receive after Johanna's death. We also talk paperwork, funeral planning and even how pets can be involved in saying their final goodbyes. What will happen to my body after I've died? How long can you keep a loved one at home after they've died? Who needs to sign all the forms? Let's find out. Resources: Talking about death and dying can bring up challenging emotions. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available: Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online. Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 463 for broad mental wellbeing support or speak to a counsellor online. Griefline: call 1300 845 745 (9am–6pm, Monday - Friday, 12 noon–6pm weekends). PalAssist has general information and advice about palliative care services in Queensland. Call 1800 772 273 (free for Queensland residents) or chat online (from 7am to 7pm, 7 days). In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). The following services were discussed in the episode or can provide additional information and resources: Care at the end of life is a campaign and resource hub for Queenslanders with information about advance care planning and support for patients, carers and families. The Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning offers free advance care planning information and support for patients, families, carers, and health professionals. Phone: 1300 007 227 or email: [email protected]. Apply for aged care services first by applying for an assessment. You can do this through your GP or local health service, online at the My Aged Care website, by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, in-person with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia office. Any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who is 50 and over can access the Elder Care Support program. The program provides support workers who can give you information about aged care and guide you through the process of accessing services. Support is provided for infants, children and young people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and community. Learn more via Children’s Health Queensland’s Paediatric Palliative Care Service, reach out to the Children's Health Queensland Bereavement Service via phone: 1800 080 316 or email: [email protected]. Regional and rural patients, and their families, can access specialist palliative care services via telehealth. A referral is required from your GP, oncologist, other specialist or community nurse. Care is delivered by Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth service (SPaRTa). Seniors Enquiry Line is a free, statewide information and referral service for Queensland seniors, families, friends, grandparents and carers. Phone: 1300 135 500 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Voluntary assisted dying is one of several choices a person may have at the end of their life. It is important to discuss all options with your doctor. QVAD-Support provides advice and support to Queenslanders. Phone: 1800 431 371 or email: [email protected] The Queensland Government provides information about What to do after someone dies including who to tell and what paperwork is needed. Services Australia has information to support you after a person has died on their Death of a loved one page, including information about the order in which to take official steps, which services you need to notify, and support services and payments that may be available. Grief counselling and support has more information about grief and bereavement, including how to seek further support. Disclaimer: The stories and conversations shared by everyone in this podcast reflect their personal views, experiences and opinions. They are shared for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Queensland Health does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed by guests and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from relying on this content. If you have questions about your health or treatment, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

What's involved in caring for someone at the end of their life? What kind of support is available for people wanting to die at home? How can people provide care for loved ones while they are in hospital? In Episode 5 of It Can’t Hurt to Ask ... about Death and Dying, Lauren talks to Toowoomba woman Rosita about what it was like to care for her mother Johanna at home during the last year of her life. She's also joined by clinical nurse consultant, Jane, who explains about how people can be supported by community palliative care services to care for someone who wants to die at home. Then, Dr Patty, clinical director for the Redcliffe Palliative Care Service, joins the conversation to share her insights into how people can care for their loved ones in a hospital setting. Whether you're caring for someone, planning for the future or just want to know what it's like to support someone as they are dying, this episode will help you understand the role 642,000 Queenslanders have taken on. Resources: Talking about death and dying can bring up challenging emotions. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available: Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online. Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 463 for broad mental wellbeing support or to speak to a counsellor online. Griefline: call 1300 845 745 (9am–6pm, Monday - Friday, 12 noon–6pm weekends). PalAssist has general information and advice about palliative care services in Queensland. Call 1800 772 273 (free for Queensland residents) or chat online (from 7am to 7pm, 7 days). In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). The following services were discussed in the episode or can provide additional information and resources: Care at the end of life is a campaign and resource hub for Queenslanders with information about advance care planning and support for patients, carers and families. The Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning offers free advance care planning information and support for patients, families, carers, and health professionals. Phone: 1300 007 227 or email: [email protected]. Apply for aged care services first by applying for an assessment. You can do this through your GP or local health service, online at the My Aged Care website, by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, in-person with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia office. Any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who is 50 and over can access the Elder Care Support program. The program provides support workers who can give you information about aged care and guide you through the process of accessing services. Support is provided for infants, children and young people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and community. Learn more via Children’s Health Queensland’s Paediatric Palliative Care Service, reach out to the Children's Health Queensland Bereavement Service via phone: 1800 080 316 or email: [email protected]. Regional and rural patients, and their families, can access specialist palliative care services via telehealth. A referral is required from your GP, oncologist, other specialist or community nurse. Care is delivered by Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth service (SPaRTa). Seniors Enquiry Line is a free, statewide information and referral service for Queensland seniors, families, friends, grandparents and carers. Phone: 1300 135 500 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Voluntary assisted dying is one of several choices a person may have at the end of their life. It is important to discuss all options with your doctor. QVAD-Support provides advice and support to Queenslanders. Phone: 1800 431 371 or email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The stories and conversations shared by everyone in this podcast reflect their personal views, experiences and opinions. They are shared for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Queensland Health does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed by guests and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from relying on this content. If you have questions about your health or treatment, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.

While it may feel uncomfortable, we can't talk about Death and Dying, without answering this one—what actually happens when someone is dying? Lauren tackles this question head on to find out more—what are the different stages of dying, how long does it take and what do the movies get right (if anything)? We also learn more about the importance of advance care planning as we age and how voluntary assisted dying works from Karen, a clinical nurse consultant from Toowoomba. In this episode, we'll hear from clinical nurse consultant Jacinta and palliative care specialist Dr Sheryl from Caboolture Hospital's palliative care service, who explain what to expect as people come to the end of their lives. Remember, death may feel scary, but talking about it shouldn't. After all, it can't hurt to ask! Resources: Talking about death and dying can bring up challenging emotions. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental wellbeing, support is available: Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24 hours a day) if you are experiencing a personal crisis or chat to a counsellor online. Beyond Blue: call 1300 22 463 for broad mental wellbeing support or speak to a counsellor online. Griefline: call 1300 845 745 (9am–6pm, Monday - Friday, 12 noon–6pm weekends). PalAssist has general information and advice about palliative care services in Queensland. Call 1800 772 273 (free for Queensland residents) or chat online (from 7am to 7pm, 7 days). In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000). The following services were discussed in the episode or can provide additional information and resources: The Statewide Office of Advance Care Planning offers free advance care planning information and support for patients, families, carers, and health professionals. Phone: 1300 007 227 or email: [email protected]. Apply for aged care services first by applying for an assessment. You can do this through your GP or local health service, online at the My Aged Care website, by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, in-person with an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia office. Any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who is 50 and over can access the Elder Care Support program. The program provides support workers who can give you information about aged care and guide you through the process of accessing services. Support is provided for infants, children and young people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and community. Learn more via Children’s Health Queensland’s Paediatric Palliative Care Service, reach out to the Children's Health Queensland Bereavement Service via phone: 1800 080 316 or email: [email protected]. Regional and rural patients, and their families, can access specialist palliative care services via telehealth. A referral is required from your GP, oncologist, other specialist or community nurse. Care is delivered by Specialist Palliative Rural Telehealth service (SPaRTa). Seniors Enquiry Line is a free, statewide information and referral service for Queensland seniors, families, friends, grandparents and carers. Phone: 1300 135 500 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Voluntary assisted dying is one of several choices a person may have at the end of their life. It is important to discuss all options with your doctor. QVAD-Support provides advice and support to Queenslanders. Phone: 1800 431 371 or email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The stories and conversations shared by everyone in this podcast reflect their personal views, experiences and opinions. They are shared for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Queensland Health does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the views expressed by guests and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may result from relying on this content. If you have questions about your health or treatment, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.