Forum Highlights Need for Integrated Palliative Care in
Aged Sector
MELBOURNE — Australia is turning its attention to improving end-of-life care for older citizens as part of ongoing aged care reforms. This week, Palliative Care Australia hosted a two-day forum in Melbourne, focusing on integrating palliative care into the aged care system to ensure all seniors receive compassionate and high-quality care.
The event, known as the Palliative Care in Aged Care Forum, gathered experts from various sectors, including health, policy, and aged care. Camilla Rowland, CEO of Palliative Care Australia, emphasised the progress made since the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety but acknowledged that significant work remains. “Palliative and end-of-life care must be core business in aged care,” Rowland stated.
Challenges and Solutions in Aged Care
Despite reforms, challenges persist, such as limited access to palliative care pathways and workforce pressures. Rowland highlighted the need for strong connections between aged care providers and palliative care specialists. Inspector-General of Aged Care, Natalie Siegel-Brown, stressed that palliative care should be a fundamental part of daily aged care practices, not an afterthought.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in the sector, aiming to address workforce shortages and improve care standards as the elderly population grows. The forum showcased a unified commitment to enhancing care for older Australians, emphasizing dignity, compassion, and respect. As reforms continue, the focus remains on translating these changes into tangible improvements in end-of-life care. The government has pledged additional funding to support these initiatives, which include training programmes for healthcare professionals and increased investment in aged care facilities. This comprehensive approach seeks not only to provide better care but also to foster a culture of empathy and understanding in aged care services across the nation.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 8:24 pm
