Jean Kittson, an Australian actor, author, and comedian, experienced a deeply distressing family tragedy when her parents, Elaine and Roy, failed to receive the dignified at-home deaths they desired. Despite being well-placed in a retirement village on the NSW Central Coast, both parents ended up in residential care, where they died in a hospital just weeks apart under distressing circumstances.
Kittson shared her family’s experience with 9news.com.au, revealing that the care protocols contributed significantly to their difficult deaths. After a brief respite in care, 96-year-old Roy died in an emergency department due to a twisted bowel, with Kittson criticising the care home for delaying the ambulance call until his pain became unbearable. Four weeks later, her 99-year-old mother was admitted following a fall that led to an untreated infection, as care staff were not authorised to prescribe necessary antibiotics.
Kittson expressed her expectation of receiving appropriate palliative care for Elaine, only to be met with the frustrating and dehumanising response of displacing her mother rather than providing end-of-life care. After spending hours in the emergency department and then being moved to a cancer ward with inadequate support, Elaine suffered distressing symptoms. Tragically, Elaine passed away shortly after receiving necessary care, leaving Kittson with haunting memories of the experience.
Advocating for better palliative care, Kittson is now involved with Palliative Care Australia in a campaign to improve services and access. With around 400 Australians dying from terminal illnesses each day, the group highlights the alarming statistic that over 60% of patients do not receive specialised end-of-life care.
Kittson calls for enhancements in training and regulations for palliative care within aged care facilities, as well as increased support from community palliative nurses. She emphasises the need for families to have the option to age and die in their homes and contends that minimal nursing support could significantly improve outcomes without requiring substantial funding.
Camilla Rowland, CEO of Palliative Care Australia, echoed Kittson’s sentiments, underscoring that many Australians face similar challenges. Accessible palliative care enables families to manage pain, share meaningful moments, and navigate the complex emotions of grief, leading to a more peaceful death experience. Conversely, as illustrated by Kittson’s narrative, inadequate care can leave families grappling with trauma and guilt.
In response to the ongoing issues within the aged care sector, a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Aged Care noted that approximately $198.4 million has been allocated over four years to improve access to quality palliative care. Additionally, the new Support at Home program will provide significant funding to support end-of-life care, replacing existing programs from 1 July, aiming to assist those diagnosed with terminal conditions who wish to remain at home.