When this occurs a series of conversations about end-of-life options, including palliative care often follows.
Palliative care is not the end of treatment but the introduction of the most helpful, appropriate and beneficial options available for each person and their individual circumstances; it is not about giving up, nor is it just for the dying. Palliative care is a system of support, and a coordination of services, designed to help people with a life-limiting or terminal illness, live as best they can for as long as possible.
Palliative care can be part of a person’s care plan long before they reach the end of their life.
Palliative Care Australia (PCA) defines palliative care as; ‘Palliative care is care that helps people live their life as fully and as comfortably as possible when living with a life-limiting or terminal illness.’ PCA explains this is distinct from end of life care which, ‘is the last few weeks of life in which a patient with a life-limiting illness is rapidly approaching death. The needs of patients and their carers is higher at this time.’
VOLUNTARY ASSISTED DYING (VAD)
We acknowledge that Voluntary Assisted Dying can be part of this conversation.
Please visit our Voluntary Assisted Dying page for more information.
END OF LIFE DOULA
An End Of Life Doula can provide vital assistance for end of life planning and care.
Please visit our End of Life Doula page for more information.
RESOURCES
There are different components to the discussions around palliative and end-of-life care, and Palliative Care Australia offers information and many valuable resources in relation to these aspects of care, and can provide referral to a variety of services.
The Australian Government provides information on Palliative Care across Australia and the types of care and services that are available.
Care Search is another resource providing an exhaustive list of both National and State based options.
ELDAC (End of Life Directions for Aged Care) provides information, guidance, and resources for all aged care providers who support palliative care and advance care planning.
The Primary Health Network has many resources for patients, carers and clinicians.
More Resources