Theme
“On Life’s Journey…”
The theme of the conference is “On Life’s Journey…” and will explore and examine the unique life journey of patients in palliative care and care of the older person as well as those that care for them.
For the individual the life journey should be positive, with a focus on quality of life and people should be facilitated “to live until they die” (Saunders, 1976). At times that journey may be turbulent but there must be safety in the haven of palliative care or care of the older person services, where symptoms are managed, quality of care provided and cognisance taken of the physical, psychological, sociological and spiritual aspects of individuals.
Conference Objectives:
- Provide an opportunity for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals from palliative care and care of the older person services to network.
- Examine the concept of the uniqueness of individuals and how this can be enhanced on life’s journey.
- Consider the impact of physical and psychological positivity on longevity and robust ageing along the journey of life.
- Explore quality of life and the importance of collaborative individualised patient centred care as it pertains to palliative care or care of the older person.
- Enable discussion on strategies utilised in palliative care and care of the older person services for providing a safe physical and psychological haven for patients and families when life’s journey becomes turbulent.
- Enhance the learner’s knowledge on the assessment and management of symptoms using evidence from the literature.
- Reinforce the importance of the provision of a high standard of physical, psychological, sociological and spiritual care along life’s journey in palliative care and care of the older person services.
- Appreciate the importance of promoting well-being for patients, families, health carers and its importance in caring for self.
