Hospice’s Melanie Mattinson said really there is no question that should not be asked when it comes to what is a personal journey. Ms Mattinson said open discussion is important to break down the taboos and misconceptions about death, dying and bereavement before we are facing such situations.

“Society doesn’t talk about death and dying openly. When an opportunity is provided, people are interested – it’s about lifting that mystery,” Ms Mattinson said.

“There is no question everyone is asking, it’s all very individual. Everyone comes along with different questions.”

Ms Mattinson said it was important to distinguish what services were available in the community to best make decisions.

Too often, she said, people assumed palliative care was end of life care for older people or those with cancer but really, there were services for any age and more than cancer patients.

“Palliative Care is helping people live as well as they can with whatever time they have left,” Ms Mattinson said. “It’s supporting people in the place they want to be.”

And Ms Mattinson said talk need not all be sombre.

Ballarat and Regional Compassionate Communities Group will host a Let’s Talk About Dying forum on Friday afternoon. This will feature representatives from Hospice, Grampians Region Palliative Care Consortium, Ballarat General Cemetery Trust and Shannon’s Bridge.

The event  follows a similar forum held simultaneous to the Romancing the Skull exhibition at Art Gallery of Ballarat late last year. This time, the forum is part of National Palliative Care Week. 

New data shows eight in 10 Australians think it is important to talk to their family about their care wishes if they were to become seriously ill but only one in four have had the conversation.

Let’s Talk About Dying forum will feature activities and displays focused on death and dying, such as talking about end of life care wishes and values, discussing cemeteries and funerals and an art of bereavement project display.

The free forum will be at The Lost Ones Gallery and Basement Bar on Friday, 3-5pm. Palliative Care Australia also has resources at www.dyingtotalk.org.au.   

BALLARAT Hospice Care is opening its doors on Thursday in a bid to demystify its palliative care and bereavement services.

The move is part of National Palliative Care Week, which has the theme What Matters Most and encouraging Australians to reflect on what was most important to them if seriously unwell. 

Ballarat Hospice executive officer Carita Clancy said most people did not know what the organisation offered until they or a loved one needed vital care.

Hospice’s in-home palliative care services began 30 years ago in the Ballarat region and have since expanded to the point Hospice has outgrown its Drummond Street base and is planning to move into a purpose-built palliative care hub in Lucas.

“Demand for palliative care is increasing and professionals and volunteers are vital in our community to support patients and carers deal with dying, death and bereavement,” Ms Clancy said. “We encourage people to come along and learn more about what we can offer when they need it the most.”

Hospice open sessions are on Thursday, 10-11.30am and 5.30-7pm. Phone Hospice on 5333 1118.

RELATED COVERAGE