Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may find content in this film upsetting.
On the remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory, local Health Centre professionals have had success by working respectfully with the local Anindilyakwa people, empowering them to express their end-of-life wishes by outlining the various aspects of an Advance Care Plan in a culturally safe and appropriate way. With the endorsement of Elders, many community members have completed an individual Advanced Care Plan.
Filmed on Groote Eylandt, the Discussing Choices - Indigenous Advance Care Plans - A Learning Resource acts as a culturally safe and practical case study for professional health, Aboriginal and community workers on ‘how to’ support and complete Advance Care Plans for end-of-life care in Indigenous communities. It also outlines the importance and benefits of an Advance Care Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, such as the importance of kinship, country, passing on culture to future generations and keeping families strong.
Palliative Care Northern Territory (PCNT) President (2021), Jonathan Dodson-Jauncey guides viewers through the video, outlining the importance and benefits of an Advance Care Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
For more information visit https://palliativecare.org.au/discussing-choices-indigenous-advance-care-planning
Disclaimer
It is important to know that the above are resources do not act as a legal document or an Advance Care Plan / Advance Care Personal Plan / Aged Care Directive.
For additional information relating to advance care planning, please speak to your health professional, visit the Advance Care Planning Australia website (https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/acpweek/about) or call the advance care planning advisory service on 1300 208 582, 9 am – 5 pm (AEST) Monday to Friday.
People should always consult healthcare or legal professionals for advice about their specific circumstances, including their state or territory's legislative requirements.
For more information on PCA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Palliative Care Resources, go to https://palliativecare.org.au/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples-palliative-care-resources
If you are new to PCA and would like to learn more about our work and events, please subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter here https://palliativecare.org.au/newsletter-2/