For many, the words “palliative care” evoke a sense of finality. But for Kristine, the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in Palliative and End-of-Life Care at Doutta Galla, it is actually about the time that remains. It is about dignity, comfort, and the profound beauty of living well until the very end.
This National Palliative Care Week, Kristine is on a mission to dismantle the misconceptions that often obscure her work. Palliative care isn’t just about the last days of life,” she explains. “It’s about helping people live as well as possible at any stage of a serious illness.”
A Personal Calling
Kristine’s journey to this role was paved by 20 years of nursing, spanning from intensive care units in the Philippines to aged care in Australia. However, it was a deeply personal experience with her own father that ignited her passion for the field. Following the immense pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic, she chose to specialise, completing a postgraduate degree in palliative care.
Since joining Doutta Galla in February 2025, she has become a cornerstone of a unique, CNS-led model of care. Across all eight of Doutta Galla’s aged care homes, she works alongside specialists in diabetes, wound care, and mental health to provide a holistic support system that is rare in residential aged care.
The Pathway to Support
Understanding how to access these services can often feel daunting for families, but at Doutta Galla, the pathway is designed to be proactive rather than reactive.
The process typically begins with the frontline clinical staff at each home. They are trained to identify residents who may have a life-limiting illness or are showing early signs of deterioration. Once a need is identified, a referral is made directly to Kristine.
The pathway involves:
- Comprehensive Review: Kristine conducts a clinical assessment of the resident’s physical symptoms and emotional needs.
- Family Case Conferences: These meetings are vital for introducing the concept of palliative care early, answering questions, and dispelling fears.
- Collaborative Planning: By discussing a resident’s wishes and preferences well in advance, the team creates a clear roadmap for their care.
- Specialist Escalation: When symptoms become complex, Kristine coordinates with specialist community palliative care services to ensure appropriate clinical oversight and support
Starting the Conversation Early
One of the biggest hurdles Kristine faces is the “deathly silence” that often surrounds terminal illness. She advocates fiercely for early conversations, long before a crisis occurs.
When these conversations happen too late, it can create distress for everyone involved, the resident, their family, and the staff,” Kristine says. “Starting earlier gives people time to understand what’s ahead, make informed decisions, and ensure care reflects what matters most to the resident.”
At Doutta Galla, a palliative approach can be provided alongside active treatment. The focus is on supporting residents to maintain their daily routines, stay connected to what matters to them, and manage complex symptoms. As a resident’s condition progresses, the priority shifts toward comfort, supporting a transition that is calm, dignified, and in a familiar environment.
The Heart of the Job
“While the work can be emotionally demanding, Kristine finds meaning in the quieter moments, when pain is brought under control and residents are able to engage with their families.
Often, that impact is reflected after a resident has passed. “When a family says, ‘thank you’ and shares that their loved one was comfortable and at peace, that’s how I know we’ve done our job well.”
This International Palliative Care Week, Doutta Galla celebrates the work of specialists like Kristine and all carers both paid and unpaid, who remind us that palliative care isn’t about giving up, it’s about providing the support and dignity that every human being deserves in their final season of life.