Patricia Griffin wants everyone to have a talk about their future health care.
Patricia, a former Beaudesert teacher and patient of Metro South Palliative Care, is an advocate of advance care planning (ACP) – the process of discussing and documenting your future health care wishes and choices, if there is a time when you cannot communicate these for yourself.
“It is vital to talk to your family, doctors and nurses about what you want in the future,” says Patricia.
“For me, my Christian faith and my First Nations heritage are special, so I have discussed with my family how I would like those elements incorporated into my care.
“I felt so calm and peaceful after having these discussions with my family; there can be no argument later on about what care I receive. It will be what I want.”
National Palliative Care Week is being held from 12 to 17 May. This year’s theme ‘What’s Your Plan’ is a direct approach to Australians and their loved ones to talk about what matters most at the end of life and to make a plan that empowers and respects their choices during the last years, months, and days of life.
To support consumers to document their plans, the MSH ACP Service team offers free information sessions hosted by experienced nurses, held at local Community Health Centres. These sessions are designed to answer questions and make planning simple. You can book a session by calling 1300 227 674.
Free ACP information packs can be ordered here. Tailored information for First Nations people is also available.
As for Patricia, she’s looking forward to visiting Bundjalung country to stand in the waters of the Tweed River.
“That place in a special link to my father’s people; visiting will provide an opportunity to connect with the next generation and pass on my cultural knowledge.”