HammondCare’s Last Days Program won the Community Engagement category in the 2024 Future of Ageing Awards for their work to help foster dignity, confidence, and support in end-of-life care. Results were unveiled at a presentation dinner in Sydney on August 29, 2024…To view all of the winners…
The Last Days Program, launched in 2021, is a community-focused initiative designed to improve death literacy and empower individuals and families to navigate the final stages of life with dignity and confidence.
Delivered through in—person and online workshops, the program equips participants with the knowledge and tools to support loved ones in their last months, weeks, and days.
Key topics include understanding physical and emotional changes, the role of palliative care, and planning for a ‘good death.’ The program emphasises localised content, offering participants region-specific resources and a comprehensive workbook for reflection and ongoing learning.
Why the program was developed
Despite its inevitability, death remains a taboo topic in Australia, often leaving families unprepared to provide or advocate for effective end-of-life care. Studies show that many Australians lack the awareness and confidence to discuss or plan for death, leading to diminished quality of care and unmet preferences for end-of-life experiences.
Identifying the gap
• Many Australians avoid discussing or planning for death, often viewing it as private or technical.
• Approximately 80,000 Australians annually could benefit from a palliative care approach, but families often lack the knowledge and resources to support this.
• A significant portion of people wish to die at home, yet the lack of early communication with health services prevents this.
HammondCare recognised a critical need to increase community death literacy and provide a proactive, supportive platform for education. Leveraging its expertise in palliative care and dementia, HammondCare identified a unique opportunity to develop a program that would normalise conversations about death, empower families, and ensure dignified end-of-life care.
How it works
The program was developed through a pilot initiative in partnership with the Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) in 2019. Based on community needs assessments and focus groups, HammondCare launched workshops addressing:
Last Days Foundation: General education on end-of-life care.
Last Days Dementia: Tailored for families supporting someone living with dementia.
“The facilitator’s real-life experiences brought empathy and relatability to the session.”
Participant
Implementation
• Delivery: Conducted by experienced palliative care nurses and dementia consultants in small group settings.
• Content: Covers symptom management, emotional support, and advanced care planning topics.
• Resources: Participants receive a detailed workbook, national and local service directories, and links to support networks.
• Reach: Workshops are delivered face-to-face in community venues and virtually to increase accessibility.
Expansion to rural and remote communities
In 2023, funding was secured to extend the program to regional, rural, and remote areas, addressing equity challenges in palliative care. Workshops were delivered in collaboration with local health networks, councils, and community groups, ensuring local relevance and support.
Funding and sustainability
Initial funding totalled $280,000, enabling delivery through to June 2024. For long-term sustainability, workshops will transition to bi-monthly online sessions, supported by internal HammondCare resources. Strategic partnerships will facilitate continued in-person delivery.
Evidence of success
From 2021 to 2024, the program conducted 58 workshops, engaging 946 participants. Evaluation surveys highlighted:
• 95% felt more confident supporting a loved one at the end of life.
• 97% gained awareness of available services and resources.
• 96% improved understanding of physical and emotional end-of-life processes.
“The program normalised death and gave me confidence to support my family through this process.”
Participant
The Last Days Program exemplifies HammondCare’s commitment to fostering community engagement and improving quality of life through education, support, and compassion. By addressing a critical societal gap, the program empowers individuals and strengthens community networks to embrace death as a natural part of life. This initiative deserves recognition for its transformative impact on individuals, families, and communities.
