End-of-life care is a necessary but often overlooked aspect of planning for older adults. For those residing in an aged care home in Perth, early preparation ensures that care is delivered with dignity, respect & comfort.
At Hellenic Aged Care, we are committed to supporting individuals and families in making informed, compassionate choices. Our Perth-based facility understands the unique needs of the local community and offers a care environment that prioritises wellbeing at every stage.
We don’t just deliver care — we create a supportive, personalised environment where residents are treated as individuals, not numbers. From tailored healthcare to emotional & spiritual support, our goal is to enhance quality of life, right through to the final chapter.
Current Landscape of End-of-Life Care in Perth
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, end-of-life care in aged care settings across Australia continues to face challenges such as inconsistent symptom management and insufficient emotional support.
In Perth, the need for improved aged care services is intensifying. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that Western Australia’s population is ageing at a faster rate than most states. With this demographic shift comes an urgent need for aged care facilities to improve the delivery of end-of-life care.
The medical community increasingly agrees that end-of-life care is not purely clinical—it’s also a human issue. As such, facilities must focus not only on medical treatment but on supporting the emotional & psychological needs of both residents and their families.
The Importance of Dignity in End-of-Life Care
Dignity is central to effective end-of-life care. It goes beyond symptom control to address individual preferences, emotional wellbeing, and spiritual needs.
Jane, a Perth resident whose father passed away in an aged care facility, reflected: “It wasn’t just about managing pain. It was about respecting who my father was and what he wanted.”
This feedback is common among families navigating end-of-life care. Providing dignified care improves the experience not only for the individual but also for those closest to them.
Key Legal Considerations
Creating a legally sound end-of-life care plan is essential. In Western Australia, important legal documents include:
- Advance Health Directive – detailing treatment preferences if decision-making becomes impossible
- Enduring Power of Attorney – assigning a trusted person to make financial and legal decisions
- Wills – ensuring assets and wishes are formally recorded
Legal advice should be sought to confirm all documents comply with WA legislation. This ensures clarity and minimises uncertainty for all involved.
Essential Components of a Dignified End-of-Life Care Plan
1. Implementation within the Aged Care Facility
Once a plan is developed, aged care staff become key partners in execution. Consistent reviews are critical — preferences may evolve, and the care plan must remain relevant. Many facilities, including ours, schedule regular check-ins with residents, family members & healthcare teams to make timely updates.
Several aged care homes in Perth now train staff specifically in end-of-life care protocols to ensure alignment with resident wishes and compliance with current best practices.
2. Medical Management
Medical care should focus on both symptom relief and overall wellbeing. Pain management options might include:
- Prescription medications such as opioids
- Non-opioid alternatives like anti-inflammatory drugs
- Complementary therapies, including massage, heat therapy or acupuncture
Palliative care is also crucial. It adopts a multidisciplinary approach to address physical, emotional, and spiritual concerns in a coordinated manner. Many aged care facilities in Perth now work with specialist palliative care teams to provide integrated services.
3. Emotional & Psychological Support
End-of-life care must address mental health needs. Access to psychologists, counsellors, or support groups is increasingly recognised as a core component of aged care in Perth.
Techniques such as mindfulness or cognitive behavioural therapy can offer relief, while family involvement remains an irreplaceable source of emotional support. Family counselling is available at many facilities to help loved ones cope and contribute meaningfully.
Spiritual guidance, where relevant, can also be included, whether via pastoral care, chaplaincy, or cultural practices.
4. Environmental Comfort
A comfortable, familiar environment improves mental wellbeing and quality of life. Residents are encouraged to personalise their living space with family photos, keepsakes, or familiar music.
Some aged care facilities offer sensory therapy spaces, featuring calming lighting, sounds & scents designed to promote relaxation and ease anxiety. These additions support a comforting, familiar atmosphere in the final stages of life.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Creating a comprehensive end-of-life care plan is not just a task to complete — it’s a proactive, compassionate measure that brings peace of mind to all involved.
If you’re exploring options for aged care in Perth, consider whether your chosen provider is prepared to support you with dignity at every stage. Engage early with your healthcare team, family & legal advisors to formalise your preferences.
Conclusion
End-of-life planning within an aged care home Perth residents trust is an act of foresight and care. It ensures that individuals receive the respect, comfort, and dignity they deserve — while also supporting families and healthcare professionals in delivering appropriate, compassionate care.
At Hellenic Aged Care, we believe that everyone is entitled to experience their final days in a way that honours their values and personal choices. By starting the planning process now, you not only preserve your own wishes but also help raise the standard of aged care for others in our community.
We invite you to contact our team for guidance on creating a personalised, legally sound and compassionate end-of-life care plan tailored to your needs.