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Terminally-ill people living alone without a caregiver: an Australian national scoping study of palliative care needsWA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care, Edith Cowan University, Churchlands, s.aoun{at}ecu.edu.au
WA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley
Department of Palliative and Supportive Services, Flinders University, Adelaide
Silver Chain Hospice Care, Perth
WA Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley
Centre for Health Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane Home-based palliative care services are facing increasing challenges in servicing the needs of clients who live alone and without a primary caregiver. The findings from the analysis of 721 services records from three Australian states, and feedback from health professionals in interviews and postal surveys, demonstrated that there were aspects of being on ones own with a terminal illness and living at home that require a specialised approach and support. This study explored the issues of palliative care patients living alone, from a service provider perspective, and provided evidence-based information to assist with service planning. The study made recommendations to the Australian Department of Health and Ageing about services considered important in developing support structures for this growing population.
Key Words: caregiver community services living alone palliative care place of death
Palliative Medicine, Vol. 21, No. 1,
29-34 (2007) |
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