In-Home Palliative Care Victoria

JULY is now Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month in Australia!
July is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month and the perfect time to join in with other people across Australia to awareness and funds to support people living with Head and Neck Cancer in your community.
Head and Neck Cancer often refers specifically to cancers that begin in the cells that line the moist mucosal surfaces including the mouth (oral cavity), nose and sinuses, throat (pharynx) and voice box (larynx).
These cancers are usually squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and account for about 95% of cases.
Mucosal head and neck cancers are diagnosed in approximately 3,500 Australians every year; representing 2–3% of all cancers.
Mucosal head and neck cancer is nearly twice as common in men and often diagnosed in people over the age of 50.
Thyroid Cancers are more common that mucosal Head and Neck Cancers and occur in 2,400 Australians every year. They are more common in women and often occur at a younger age.

Skin Cancers of the head and neck are so common in Australia that we don’t even know how many occur. It is estimated that more than 500,000 Australians are treated every year for skin cancer. They are more common in men and become more common as you get older, mainly due to sun exposure.

Less commonly, head and neck cancers may occur in the salivary glands, and other tissues in the face, neck, eyes and ears.
World Head and Neck Cancer Day is held on 27 July each year, but we don't believe one day is enough. So we're calling it.
JULY is now Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month in Australia!
https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/head-and-neck-cancer-awareness-month/

This is feedback we received following the care that was given to one of our palliative care clients last week from a major hospital.

POUND THE PAVEMENT 4 EPC is back for 2023! Sunday 8th October, 10am at Lillydale Lake. Early Bird registration now open! Adult tickets from $10 (if you register before 13th August).
This all-ages, all-abilities event is raising funds for EPC’s Equipment for Home Appeal. Many people require specialised equipment in their home in order to avoid having to go into a hospice or hospital. Our aim is to raise $60,00 to meet this essential client need.

Walk, jog or run a 5km route (2 laps) around Lillydale Lake, then stay and enjoy a sausage sizzle and a drink with everyone at the Lillydale Lake Community Room and parklands.

If you can’t be there on the day you can join in virtually! Do a walk of your choosing in your own area or host a morning tea as your PTP4EPC fundraiser!

The newly designed 2023 event T-shirt and other merchandise is now on sale and can only be purchased during the registration process prior to 13th August.

For more information and to register go to https://epc.grassrootz.com/ptp4epc2023

Dealing with difficult patients as a community nurse is a challenge that many nurses face. Difficult patients may exhibit behaviours such as being rude, demanding, or noncompliant with treatment.
Here are some tips for nurses on how to handle difficult patients:
1. Stay calm and professional: It is important to remain calm and professional when dealing
with difficult patients. Avoid responding with anger or frustration, as this can escalate the
situation.
2. Listen actively: Listen carefully to the patients concerns and try to understand their perspective. This can help you to identify the root cause of their behaviour and find a solution that works for both of you.
3. Set boundaries: It is important to establish clear boundaries with difficult patients. This may include setting expectations for their behaviour and communicating consequences for noncompliance.
4. Provide education: Sometimes difficult patient behaviour can be the result of a lack of understanding about their condition or treatment. Take the time to educate the patient about their care and answer any questions they may have.
5. Involve the patient in their care: Involve the patient in their care by giving them choices and asking for their input. This can help them feel more in control and may reduce difficult behaviour.
6. Seek support: Don't be afraid to seek support from colleagues or supervisors if you are struggling to manage a difficult patient. They may be able to provide guidance or help you find a solution.
Remember that every patient is different, and what works for one may not work for another. It is important to remain flexible and adaptable in your approach to patient care, and to always prioritise
the patient's safety and well-being.

Evaluating a Palliative Care Provider:
Part 2
Accessibility and Flexibility
Palliative care needs can change rapidly, and it is essential to choose a provider that can adapt to these changes and can offer in-home end of life care at short notice. Consider the provider's accessibility and flexibility, including their hours of operation, availability for urgent needs whether it be for specialist nurses or support workers

Cultural Competence and Sensitivity:
In today's diverse society, it is vital to ensure that the palliative care provider demonstrates cultural competence and sensitivity. They should be aware of and sensitive to the cultural, religious, and personal beliefs and values of the patient and their family. This includes being respectful of the patient's preferences regarding end-of-life care and accommodating special requests related to their cultural or religious background, having an advanced care plan for home-based palliative care/home hospice shall support your requests.

Continuity of Care
Consistency and continuity of care are important when dealing with serious illnesses. Choose a palliative care provider that can assist with smooth transition between the different stages, in today's health industry where staffing is an issue it is a good idea to know if the provider can support your loved before commencing services.

Evaluating a Palliative Care Provider:

Part 1
Key Factors to Consider when it comes to finding the right home-based palliative care service/provider for yourself or a loved one, it is essential to evaluate various factors to ensure that the care provided aligns with your loved one's needs and preferences.
Palliative care is a specialised form of medical care that focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness, ultimately improving the quality of life for both the patient and their family. Here are some crucial factors to consider when accessing community support for end-of-life-care at home.

Credentials and Qualifications:
The first step in evaluating if the company is suitable, ascertain if the company is an experienced home-based palliative care provider. Additionally, ensure they have the necessary qualifications and experience and are known for in-home palliative care support for families and caregivers.

Experience and Reputation
Consider the provider's experience and reputation in the field of palliative care. Look for providers with a track record of providing compassionate and effective care, are well known for in-home palliative care support for families and loved ones. You may want to ask for recommendations from friends, family members, or healthcare professionals, as well as read reviews and testimonials from previous patients to get a better understanding of the provider's quality of care.

Services Offered
Evaluate the range of services offered by the palliative care provider. Tips for managing home based palliative care:
Pain and symptom management
Support for family members and caregivers for home-based family care
Ensure that the provider you choose can address the specific needs of the patient and their family, offering tailored care plans that cover all aspects of the palliative care spectrum.

Communication and Patient-Centered Care
Effective communication is a critical component of palliative care, as it facilitates a deeper understanding of the patient's needs, preferences, and values. When evaluating a provider, consider how well they communicate with patients and their families. They should be willing to listen, answer questions, and provide clear explanations for navigating the Australian healthcare system for home based care. Look for a provider that emphasises patient-centered care, involving the patient and their family in decision-making process and has an understanding of the referral process for home palliative care services in Australia. This could ensure you receive the financial supports that are available to you - Aged Care Package, Carer Gateway, NDIS etc

I hide my tears xx

"Later"
- Talk to you later.
- I'll call you later.
- See you later.
- We'll walk later.
"I'll tell you later."
We leave everything for later, but forget that "later" does not belong to us.
Later, our loved ones are no longer with us.
Later, we don't hear them and we don't see them.
Later, they are just memories.
Later, the day becomes night, the force becomes helpless,
the smile becomes a grimace, and life becomes death.
"Later" becomes "too late."
Do it now

Evaluating Home-Based Palliative Care Options in Victoria: Key Community Support Services
There are several community support services available in Victoria for end-of-life care, many of which are fully funded. These options can help patients and their families access vital home-based palliative care services.
NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) adopts a long-term approach, investing early in people with disabilities and children with developmental delays to enhance their life outcomes. You may have MND, Parkinsons, Huntington's with advanced care planning your plans and decisions for end of life can be put in place.
Aged Care Packages
This program offers support to older individuals with complex needs, helping them remain at home. These home care package options for palliative care patients in Australia provide essential assistance for daily living and care.
Carer Gateway
The Carer Gateway provides access to either a Support Worker or a Specialist Palliative Care nurse who can assist with in-home palliative care. This service is not means-tested and is fully funded for palliative care at home, although there is a cap on available funds.
Transition Care or Home and Community Care (HACC) Programs
The HACC Program delivers essential support and maintenance services, while the Transition Care Program (TCP) offers short-term, tailored support services for older adults after leaving the hospital. These programs are means-tested and designed to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home-based palliative care.
Hospital in the Home (HITH)
Available as a public or private service, Hospital in the Home (HITH) is an admitted acute care service provided to patients in their own homes or other suitable environments outside the hospital. Patients are still considered hospital inpatients and remain under the care of their hospital doctor. The hospital team, including nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals, provides services to support in-home palliative care and reduce the amount of time spent in the hospital.
By exploring community support services in Victoria, families can make well-informed decisions about the best home-based palliative care options for their loved ones.
Call on Clare can provide support for people who wish to have home-base palliative with most of the above options. Generally, we can be onsite with 2 hours if required.

Call on Clare Provides Specialised End-of-Life Care at Home

At Call on Clare, we provide specialized end-of-life care in the comfort of your own home.

We offer a comprehensive range of in-home palliative services for all ages, including support for chemo, personal care, shopping, and social outings.

Our team of expertly trained nurses and support workers are available to provide care and support for a minimum of 3 hours up to 24/7.

Generally, we can be onsite within 2 hours if required.

We take a personalised approach to care, tailored to meet each individual's unique needs and circumstances.

Our goal is to provide peace and comfort to you or your loved one during this challenging time.

In partnership with your GP and community palliative care team, we create a customized care plan to ensure all your needs are met.

For more information or to answer any questions, please call us at (03) 9001 9762.

Grief is a natural emotional response to loss, such as the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or a cherished possession. It is a complex and individual experience that can include feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, and loneliness. Grief can also manifest physically, with symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and difficulty sleeping. The process of grief can be unpredictable and can take months or even years to fully resolve.

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has reported almost 40,000 serious incidents related to elder abuse in residential aged care during the 202122 financial year.
The most common incidents included the unreasonable use of force, stealing/financial coercion, neglect, and unlawful sexual contact. The Productivity Commission noted that the increase in incident reports may reflect more effective reporting mechanisms and organizational cultural change. The Commission also acknowledged that the reported incidents may not reflect the true number of instances of harm. Legal Aid New South Wales saw a 20% jump in selfreferrals by older Australians in the community, and the Older Persons Advocacy Network saw a 17% increase in calls for assistance. A Queensland aged care worker was recently arrested and charged with fraud for allegedly stealing thousands from elderly residents.
https://hellocare.com.au/reports-of-serious-incidents-and-elder-abuse-are-on-the-rise/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Thursday+26.1.2023+HelloCare+%28HL+%2B+CT40+banner%29

There are several ways to support a family who have a very sick child:

Offer practical help, such as cooking meals, running errands, or providing transportation to and from medical appointments.
Provide emotional support by listening to them and being there for them.
Help with childcare for siblings or other children in the family, if needed.
Offer to set up a fundraising campaign or a donation drive to help the family with medical expenses.
Provide information and resources about the child's illness and treatment options, if they are open to it.
Keep in touch with them regularly, but also give them space if they need it.
It is also important to remember that every family is different and may have specific needs, so it is best to communicate with them and ask how you can best support them.

Hoyts Cinemas has again renewed its agreement with Carers Australia for 2023 to offer discounts to carers who attend movie sessions with the person they care for.
Hoyts are offering carers an adult ticket for $1.10 (maximum of 1 ticket per day) when accompanying the person they care for to the cinema.

Visit our website for more information:
http://ow.ly/K5VZ50M6CVq

Vitamin B3 Supplement Linked to Breast Cancer and Brain Metastasis
Commercial dietary supplements like nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3 new research from the University of Missouri has found NR could actually increase the risk of serious disease, such as the development of breast cancer and brain metastasis.
The international team of researchers, discovered high levels of NR could not only increase someone’s risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer, but also could cause the cancer to metastasise or spread to the brain.
https://oncologynews.com.au/latest-news/popular-dietary-supplement-increases-breast-cancer-risk-brain-metastasis/

An Australian-first treatment for cancer found in the kidney has been successfully administered at Monash Health with fantastic results.
The medication is a combination of chemotherapy and an innovative gel technology that is a liquid when chilled and turns into a gel at body temperature. This treatment can be placed in more precise areas of the body where tumours are, unlike traditional liquid chemotherapy, which is difficult to maintain in the kidney.
JELMYTO was tested in a clinical study that found 58% of patients had their tumours disappear after treatment. At the 12-month mark, the majority of the patients who had their tumours disappear were still tumour free.
https://coronavirus.monashhealth.org/latest-news/2022/11/07/australian-first-cancer-treatment-successful-at-monash-health/

'Beyond the Walls', a webinar exploring the needs that exist beyond the hospital walls for children, young people, and their families with palliative care needs.

As a community, and as professionals, we want to ensure the families we walk alongside are supported in all parts of their journey, but the needs that arise outside of their time in hospital can be hard to predict or to prepare families for. This webinar gives a rare opportunity to hear candidly from young people, parents, and community service providers about what happens ‘beyond the walls’ of the hospital and how health professionals can prepare and support families for the challenges they may face.

Thurs the 8th Dec 12.15pm - 1.15pm

Beyond the Walls Discussing the needs of children and families outside of hospital | PCA Connect Webinar

How to get the most out of your ctDNA

Dr Heidi Fettke is a postdoctoral researcher at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre where she leads the pre-clinical liquid biopsy research associated with advanced prostate cancer trials.

Her primary focus has been investigating the tumour genome in advanced prostate cancer to find cell-free biomarkers for novel therapeutics.

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: MPCCC Tech Talk: Dr Heidi Fettke. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: MPCCC Tech Talk: Dr Heidi Fettke. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

Those we love never truly leave us.

EATING SOCIALLY AFTER HEAD AND NECK CANCER:
With the festive season upon us, people who have been treated for Head and Neck Cancer may feel anxious or subconscious about eating in a social environment.
Guest speakers will discuss the experience and barriers of eating faced by people living with Head and Neck Cancer, and offer advice on social eating following treatment, as well as nutritional information and ideas.
https://support.headandneckcancer.org.au/events/16/eatingsocially_hncwebinar?fbclid=IwAR2UOwKYI4zfZ8ZTvR1psEc_sEO1WznmHZgC3wcehTWz9f68gPMG4Vf-zi0

How to be a widow: A guide from a wife who doesn’t know either:

Here’s what I wish someone had told us when Bill was diagnosed with glioblastoma: You just got a death sentence.

Do what you want to do, go where you want to go, say what you want to say. Do it now. If you don’t, by the time you realize you really want to do that thing, go to that place, say whatever it is, it will be too late.

Caring for Bill created some moments of deep connection between us. But there were also tasks I had to perform, and he endured, that were demeaning and awful for both of us.

I try not to really think about this stuff, or about how at these times my love for him felt more like pity.

Perspective | How to be a widow: A guide from a wife who doesn’t know either Since my husband, Bill, died of brain cancer in June, I’ve found myself unclear about what it means to grieve.

Children’s Cancer Foundation and Victoria State Government announce Victoria’s biggest investment in history set to transform the lives of children living with cancer.
The Children’s Cancer Foundation will contribute an additional $10 million of funding to form a $45 million investment package that will leverage Victoria’s existing capabilities and establish Victoria as a global leader in childhood cancer research and clinical care. In turn, improving outcomes for paediatric cancer patients and their families.

Children’s Cancer Foundation and Victoria State Government announce Victoria’s biggest investment in history set to transform the lives of children living with cancer Editor's Choice Children’s Cancer Foundation and Victoria State Government announce Victoria’s biggest investment in history set to transform the lives of children living with cancer By ONA Editor October 26, 2022 No Comments Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email + The Children’s Cancer ...

Liver cancer cases and deaths could rise by over 55% by 2040
Results showed that in 2020, an estimated 905,700 individuals were diagnosed with liver cancer and 830,200 died from liver cancer globally. According to these data, liver cancer is now among the top three causes of cancer death in 46 countries and is among the top five causes of cancer death in nearly 100 countries including several high-income countries.

Liver cancer cases and deaths could rise by over 55% by 2040 GI Cancers Liver cancer cases and deaths could rise by over 55% by 2040 By ONA Editor October 19, 2022 No Comments Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email + A new analysis reveals that primary liver cancer was among the top three causes of cancer death in 46 countries in 2020 and the number of p...

Breast cancer awareness campaigns too often overlook those with metastatic breast cancer.
“I don’t like the term survivor. That and October are aimed at early stage cancer, not at supporting people who have Stage 4 cancer. We won’t survive. We aren’t going to be cured. Early detection didn’t save many of us. Removing b***s didn’t save us. All the pinkwashing does nothing to help us.”
Many women with stage 4 breast cancer also feel like little is being done to showcase the less optimistic and more frightening aspects of metastatic disease.
https://oncologynews.com.au/breast-cancer-awareness-campaigns-too-often-overlook-those-with-metastatic-breast-cancer-heres-how-they-can-do-better/

Breast cancer awareness campaigns too often overlook those with metastatic breast cancer – here’s how they can do better Breast Cancer Breast cancer awareness campaigns too often overlook those with metastatic breast cancer – here’s how they can do better By ONA Editor October 7, 2022 No Comments Share Tweet Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email + Cropped view of four multi-ethnic women wearing pink shirts, holding brea...