Australia urged to rethink dementia and end-of-life care
14 May 2026
Speaking at Palliative Care Australia’s National Palliative Care Week 2026 Special Guest Lecture, held at Parliament House, Dr Chapman said dementia care needs to be rethought in how it is planned, understood and delivered.
He said dementia is now the leading cause of death in older Australians, yet many people are not identified as needing palliative care until the very late stages of their illness.
Dr Chapman said this delay means many patients, families and carers miss out on support that could improve quality of life.
“We have accepted a view that nothing can be done when someone has dementia, and that is simply not true,” he said.
“There are real opportunities to improve quality of life, support families, and provide care that reflects what matters most to the person.”
He also said long-standing beliefs about dementia shape how people experience the condition, and called for earlier support and clearer conversations.
Dr Chapman highlighted that aged care, dementia care and palliative care often work separately, creating gaps in support.
“We cannot keep treating these as separate systems,” he said.
“If we want better outcomes, we need to bring them together and act earlier.”
Palliative Care Australia Chairman Dr Peter Allcroft supported the message, saying too many Australians are missing out on palliative care or receiving it too late, especially people with dementia.
“People deserve care that supports their quality of life and dignity, not just at the end, but throughout the course of serious illness,” he said.
He said palliative care should be available earlier, more consistently, and to everyone who needs it.
Dr Chapman also pointed to practical steps forward, including earlier planning conversations, stronger support for families and carers, and better integration of palliative care into aged care settings.
The lecture formed the centrepiece of National Palliative Care Week, held from 10–16 May, under the theme Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers.
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