Understanding Palliative Care

These are moments that matter. Love. Joy. Trust. Home. Family. Freedom. Purpose. These are also values that guide us as human beings. They unite us and give meaning to our lives.

Why Palliative Care Matters

Facing a life limiting illness is a huge shock. It is natural to feel fear, anxiety, anger and loss. Care and support for the whole person and their loved ones helps. Palliative care supports physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Palliative care can help people find meaning and peace when coming to terms with an incurable illness.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care starts with conversations to find out “what is important to you” rather than telling people what they need. Palliative care improves quality of life and respects cultural and spiritual values. It provides support, practical help, and respite for carers. It also helps with grief and loss. It enables people to focus on what matters most to them.

Why is it important?

Palliative care improves quality of life. It is about comfort, respect, choice and dignity. It finds out what matters most to families when faced with an incurable illness. It provides holistic care and support by a skilled team. Palliative care offers the person and their loved ones the support to live, die and grieve well.

Who is it for?

Palliative care helps people with life limiting illnesses. This includes cancers, organ failure, dementia, and other incurable conditions that shorten life. It helps people of all ages. It is helpful from diagnosis and throughout the illness. It can come and go as needed. It also helps the person’s family and loved ones, including with grief and loss.

How can I find out more?

Palliative care is available from many services. This includes GPs, hospitals, aged care and specialist palliative care services. It can be provided at home or in a place of care. Below are some contacts and links to help you find out more.

Useful Links