Dying To Know Day - Palliative Care

Monday, August 8 is Dying to Know Day, an annual campaign empowering Australians at all stages of life to live and die well.

The campaign is designed to encourage people to become more ‘death literate’ and develop the knowledge, compassion and practical skills to make informed end-of-life choices.

This year’s theme, Get Dead Set invites Australians to overcome their fears and discomfort around death and to take action on end-of-life planning in a way that is right for them.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) Palliative Care Stream Manager, Tara O’Sullivan said she was ready to ‘get dead set’ and support Dying to Know Day.

“Death is a natural thing which happens to all of us and it is important to address the fear and hesitancy we sometimes have around end-of-life planning,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“Every person’s priorities, plans and wishes are unique and MLHD Palliative Care Team is helping to raise awareness around ‘death literacy’ in our community which will lead to better end-of-life care for us all.”

Tips to Get Dead Set include:

• Capturing your choices in writing. Include things like a Will, substitute decision maker and guidance on your social media or organ donation. Even a text or a scribble on a serviette is enough to get you started.
• Have meaningful conversations with loved ones and others so they understand your wishes, and you understand theirs.
• Prepare your send-off. Share what you want it to look like so you can be celebrated and remembered in line with your wishes.

Ms O’Sullivan said they encouraged the community to join the conversation and share their experience via social media using the hashtag #GetDeadSet and #DyingToKnowDay. Remember to tag @D2KDay on Facebook and Instagram.

Visit https://www.dyingtoknowday.com/ to find an event or access support for your end-of-life planning journey.

• Topics:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Seniors