Taking Care of Dying Time Abstract

Discussions about end-of-life care can be challenging given spiritual, cultural and community sensitivities about dying. Generally speaking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members are the most appropriate people to begin advance care planning discussions. Providing a culturally safe environment in which to have a conversation about advance care planning is important, as well as the use of culturally appropriate resources such as the use of art, music, and storytelling. A scan of advance care planning audio-visual resources identified a gap in our ability to promote advance care planning in local communities. A local Aboriginal health worker experienced the death of an important family and community member. The family decision making at the time of this persons dying highlighted the importance of advance care planning.