Chung Wah Community Care (CWCC) recently took part in the End of Life Directions for Aged Care (ELDAC) Linkages Program and was invited to share its story. CWCC used this chance to talk about its hands-on experience with palliative care and Advance Care Planning in culturally diverse communities, showing its commitment as both a community advocate and an aged care provider focused on cultural inclusion.
During this time, CWCC supported a long-time member of its Balcatta Community Hub through her palliative care journey. She had joined Hub activities since 2015 and was a well-loved part of the community. As a former dance teacher, she enjoyed cultural events, food, dancing, and mahjong, and treasured her time with friends at the Hub.
When her chronic illness got worse and she started palliative care in 2023, she made it clear that she wanted to keep coming to the Community Hub and stay connected to the people and activities she cared about.
To help her do this safely and with respect, CWCC staff learned about her changing health needs, such as medication, clinical care, and comfort. The team also took palliative care training and learned how to handle emergencies, so they could support her and help her stay part of the community she loved.
As her health changed, CWCC stayed in close touch with her family and carers. Staff shared photos and videos so her family could see the moments she enjoyed at the Community Hub. When her family asked whether they could celebrate her birthday early, the team helped make it happen. After she was admitted to hospital again, CWCC staff visited her and brought flowers, continuing the emotional connection and support beyond the Community Hub.
She passed away peacefully in November that year at age 90. Afterward, CWCC stayed in touch with her family to offer condolences and share information about carer services and emotional support. Her family thanked the CWCC team for their professionalism, sincerity, and compassion during her journey.
The ELDAC Linkages Program also helped CWCC improve its overall approach to end-of-life care. The program led to better policies and procedures, clearer ways to identify palliative care needs and plan support, and stronger staff skills through training and education.
At the same time, CWCC has kept building stronger ties with local palliative care providers and multicultural groups. By holding community seminars, one-on-one consultations, and sharing information on social media, CWCC is helping more people understand Advance Care Planning, especially in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
By continuing to practice, advocate, and share knowledge, CWCC is using what it learns from individual care experiences to improve its wider work and help others in the sector. In this way, CWCC keeps pushing for an aged care system that better understands and respects the needs, values, and cultures of diverse communities.
At the core of this work is a simple but important idea: every older person should be able to face the final stage of life with respect, dignity, cultural understanding, and real support.
