Persistent misconceptions around palliative care have perpetuated stigmas within the service, but for LGBTQIA+ community members, the fear of discrimination is a main barrier to receiving the end-of-life care they need and deserve.
Palliative Care ACT (PCA) aims to change this, and have today, during National Palliative Care Week, launched a toolkit to help educate carers of LGBTQIA+ community members.
The LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Palliative Care toolkit is the fourth installment of PCA’s tailored resource series, and explains the importance of inclusive language, intersectional identities, practical tips for LGBTQIA+ people accessing palliative care, and the role of the carer or health professional.
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said for LBGTQIA+ communities and those who provide end-of-life care, the toolkit is a valuable resource.
“We know Canberra is a very supportive and inclusive community,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“However, inclusivity doesn’t just happen – we all need to work towards it. This toolkit is the result of hard work and collaboration with people from LBGTQIA+ communities, who may be going through the most difficult time in their lives.”
Palliative Care ACT board president, Dr Louise Mayo AM, says she know the challenges those who have a life-limiting illness face all too well.
“End-of-life journeys are times of heightened emotion, and research into the perceptions LGBTQIA+ people have around end-of-life care suggest this emotion is magnified due to fears of discrimination,” Dr Mayo said.
“One of the critically important areas where our support can make a difference is language, and we can always adapt our language to be more inclusive.
“This toolkit provides readers with questions to ask everyone, so we can all be more inclusive no matter who we are speaking with.”
The toolkit was produced alongside the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Public Health at the University of Canberra (UC), with University of Wollongong PhD candidate and Nursing Academic at UC, Alicia Hind RN MGer, consulting with Meridian and LGBTIQ+ Health Australia.
For more information about National Palliative Care Week, 22-28 May, visit palliativecare.org.au
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