What is palliative care, and what isn’t it?
Palliative care has been in Australia for years, but is often misunderstood. People often think that palliative care just means that they stop treating your illness and only treat your pain. Actually, it has a lot more to offer than just pain. But many are confused about what it actually is, so we’ve made it […]
Planning A Funeral? Think outside The Box
Planning A Funeral? Think Outside the Box In this video, Dr Merran Cooper is with Liz from Picaluna. They talk about ensuring funerals are authentic to who the person is, from selecting a celebrant to including pets in the ceremony.For more information see https://www.picaluna.com/ Funeral planning doesn’t have to be any grand thing […]
What’s on? Groups to join, Events to attend, Festivals to be festive
If you’re keen to know more about ageing and dying well, or just want to join like-minded people there are many organisations, events, conferences, plus some other fabulous resources we are keen to share with you. Make it easy on yourself and invite your friends and family to go along with you. Or meet new […]
Are you a Doctor, Nurse, Advisor or Doula? Do You Need to Assist Your Clients With Advance Care Plans?
No matter what you call it No matter what you call it- an Advance Care Plan, Advance Care Directive, Management Plan, or a Living Will, all your clients aged 18 + will benefit from a regularly updated Advance Care Plan. But how can you fit all that into your busy day? Your role should not […]
Dementia, Swallowing, Memory Boxes and Capacity for Decision Making – lessons from Speech Pathologists.
People with Dementia often “lose their swallow.” This is not often known yet it causes aspiration pneumonia (things going down the wrong way) and is often the reason doctors give a “Nil By Mouth” order. There are however things you can do. Here Colleen Kerr talks about her wish for a Masterfood Challenge where the […]
Speech Pathology: Swallow, Advance Care Plans and Decisions about Eating
Between them, Colleen Kerr and Dijana Dragicevich have seen it all. Whether you have a new diagnosis of stroke or your parent with dementia is “losing their swallow” these savvy Speech Pathologists have tricks and techniques to help you or your loved one live their best life, all their life. Most impressively they can help […]
Life with No Limits- regardless of age, gender, or disability
As we get older, our bodies may not be or do what they used to. Watch and listen to the amazing, Unstoppable Tracy Schmitt who talks with Dr Merran Cooper about the importance of taking risks, even when you don’t know if you can do it. Staying optimistic, passionate and determined no matter what life brings your […]
How to Manage Oxygen, Breathlessness and Shortness of Breath
Often people want to help care for someone but just don’t know how or what they should do. Patients who are in bed for long periods of time are prone to pneumonia and therefore shortness of breath. If they become restless, agitated or confused it can be because of lack of oxygen in their blood. […]
New Ways of Sharing about Death and Dying
Looking for new or unusual spaces and places to meet others and talk about caring for someone, living with a life-limiting disease, or getting your own affairs in order? Or just some inspiration to try? Try these ideas. 1. Outdoor spaces such as Community gardens, Supported Garden Programs. These are places of beauty where […]
Understanding Different Cultural Beliefs Surrounding End-of-life Care
There are many different cultural and religious practices, beliefs, and approaches to end-of-life. It is important for health care providers to understand and respond to the different cultural norms of patients and their families. Some Key Issues we have identified at Touchstone Life Care for you to think about are: Aboriginal and Torres Strait […]
