Aged Care, Older People and Palliative Care - May 2026

Country SA PHN care finder lead Helen Morley, Program Lead Aged Care Integration Wendy Pearse and Aged Care Project Officer Lara Parker attended the Ageing Australia SA State Conference, on Wednesday, 22^nd April.

The Conference provided important information for the aged care industry, including aged care policy updates from Hon. Katrine Hilyard MP, SA Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well, as well as key updates about Support at Home from Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson. Danny McAteer from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disabilityand Ageing also gave a presentation on the next phase of aged care reform, before Janine Renna from the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission discussed compliance under the Aged Care Act 2024.

The Country SA PHN team particularly enjoyed the panel discussion which covered important elements of the aged care sector and involved panellists from both the sector and SA Government leaders with a stake in the industry.

It was great for staff to catch up with Focus One Health care finders at the event. Focus One delivers the care finder program in the Riverland and Limestone Coast, which Country SA PHN provides funding for. Country SA PHN thanks Ageing Australia for this informative and important Conference and we look forward to next year’s event.

(L-R) Helen Morley and Lara Parker. Wendy Pearse

As part of Country SA PHN’s Compassionate Community program, Palliative Care SA recently attended the South East Field Days in Lucindale, connecting with community members in a setting that celebrates rural life, innovation, and community spirit.

Among the tractors, livestock, and local displays, the Palliative Care SA team created space for something a little different — conversations about the last chapter of life.

Talking about death and dying isn’t always easy. For many, it can feel uncomfortable or even something to avoid altogether. But we know that these conversations are an important part of building confidence, connection, and understanding — what is often referred to as death literacy.

So how do you start a conversation about something many people would rather not talk about?

At Lucindale, Palliative Care SA tried a simple and engaging approach: they asked people, “What’s on your bucket list?”

This question opened the door to deeper reflections about what matters most. It shifted the focus from fear or discomfort to living well, values, and what people hope for in the time they have.

From travel dreams and spending time with family, to simple joys and meaningful experiences, the responses were thoughtful, personal, and often sparked further discussion about planning ahead and what a “good life” — and ultimately a “good death” — might look like.

These moments reminded us that conversations about the end of life don’t need to start with clinical language or difficult decisions. They can begin with curiosity, storytelling, and what matters most to each person.

By meeting people where they are, in places like the South East Field Days, we can help normalise these discussions and gently encourage planning for the future — including conversations about care preferences and advance care planning.

Funded by Country SA PHN through Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care – an Australian Government Initiative.

During April, Palliative Care SA, as part of Country SA PHN’s “Compassionate Communities in Country SA” program, delivered three Last Aid sessions across Meningie, Naracoorte and Keith, bringing together community members who were interested in learning more about supporting others through the final chapter of life.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to these sessions. Your openness, questions, and reflections helped create a safe and supportive environment for learning and discussion.

Last Aid is a free, four-hour introductory program that helps communities talk about dying, caring, and grieving with greater confidence and compassion. The sessions are designed to build confidence in talking about dying, death and grief in the community by providing practical information and encouraging conversations that many people often feel unsure how to begin.

Participants explored topics such as dying as a normal part of life, planning ahead, relieving suffering, and final goodbyes. Importantly, the sessions also reinforced that everyone has a role to play in supporting one another through serious illness, dying, death, and bereavement.

Country SA PHN also acknowledges and thanks the local communities, venues, and facilitators who supported the delivery of these sessions. We look forward to continuing to offer opportunities that strengthen understanding, connection, and compassionate communities across the region.

There are two more Last Aid sessions scheduled this year, with upcoming sessions in Gawler on 6 May and Stirling on 17 June. Register on the Palliative Care SA website.

Funded by Country SA PHN through Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care – an Australian Government Initiative.

Lin Rocks, Aged Care Navigator from Summit Health’s care finder program, was delighted to attend the inaugural Pride of the Hills celebration in Mount Barker on Friday 27 March 2026.

Lin said “it was a great opportunity to network and find out about other local and wider community supports for the LGBTQIA+ community. I spoke with a mix of age groups, sharing how the care finder program and services can assist LGBTQIA+ people, especially those who have no-one else to help them access the aged care system”.

With over 300 people attending to enjoy the vibrant event and many other service providers, Lin continued, “I am looking forward to being part of the celebration next year”.

The care finder program is supported by funding from Country SA PHN through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.

Have you heard of Comfort Care? The care finders across South Australia were lucky enough to learn from the experts at April’s State care finder networking meeting.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care Association’s Comfort Care is innovative and culturally grounded, bringing together mainstream palliative care and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and spiritual ways, setting a new standard for compassionate, culturally safe comfort care.

Helen Morley, Country SA PHN Program Lead- care finder program said, "Cindy Paardekooper, the Founding Director, and a proud Kokatha woman from the far west coast of South Australia, spoke with passion and deep knowledge, it was hard not to be inspired by her commitment”

Where to from here? As Cindy and her colleague Kathy Pearce, Senior Clinical Nurse Consultant, travel across the State to yarn with communities and stakeholders about the South Australian Comfort Care Innovation Project they will be connecting in with locally based care finders. A great outcome for all. Care finder's support older people, most with complex and diverse aged care needs, for them to be aware and knowledgeable about Comfort Care, is a step in the right direction to walk alongside Elders and their families.

If you would like to hear more or receive an introductory pack, contact the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Palliative Care Association team on: [email protected]  

For more information or to contact the care finder program in your area visit the Country SA PHN care finder web page.

The Ageing Well Team at Country SA PHN would like to extend an invitation to our next Residential Aged Care Network Meeting.

This network meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for staff members working within residential aged care to connect, share insights, explore collaborative opportunities, and stay informed with latest news and developments.

Date: 28 May 2026
Time: 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Location: Online videoconference

Please register your attendance