What is palliative care?

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Thu, 20/05/2010 - 9:42pm

Palliative care is the specialised care of people with a terminal illness with an emphasis on maintaining quality of life and comfort.

Palliative care takes a holistic approach to care based on a person’s psychological, social and spiritual needs.

The aim of palliative care is to improve quality of life of a dying person and their family by relieving pain and suffering. Active treatment for a disease such as antibiotics won’t necessarily stop, but it will be with a palliative approach.

Talking about dying

As a carer you may feel uncomfortable talking about end of life issues or death with the person you are caring for. Open communication between patient, family and health care professionals is an essential component of palliative care. Meaningful and honest communication can support a person as they move from a curative approach to a palliative one.

Anyone receiving palliative care should be encouraged to make decisions regarding their own care including the right to determine where they wish to die, how care is provided and by whom. It also includes the right to refuse any treatment. Some people find it helps to talk to a social worker or counsellor.

Accessing palliative care services

A person with a terminal illness can receive palliative care at home, in a hospital, an aged care home or hospice. A doctor can refer a person to their nearest palliative care service. What services you choose will depend on a person's preferences and what is available in your area. Ask your doctor for advice about a service to suit your needs.

A palliative care team will be involved in caring for a terminally ill person. This team may include doctors, nurses, pain specialists, psychologists, volunteers, pastoral care workers, geriatricians, family and anyone else helping to care for the person at this stage.

There are many private and public community home care services that help care for terminally ill people at home. The costs involved in palliative care will vary. Most palliative care services are covered by Medicare or private health insurance. Always ask a service provider what costs are involved and check your private insurance policy first. Fees will also depend on whether care is at home, in a hospital or hospice.

If you need special lifting equipment or home care aids you could be able to hire or loan equipment from a hospital. Equipment you may need to purchase includes electric beds, wheelchairs, toilet seats and shower chairs.

Who can help?

Your doctor or member of your palliative care team.
Ring the local hospital or community health centre and ask about palliative care services.
Call the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 and ask about local community based palliative care services in your area.
Call a private nursing agency directly and ask if they have palliative care staff.
Aged care homes care for terminally ill people. Check with the Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) at your local hospital.

Helpful resources

Visit Palliative Care Australia's The National Palliative Care Service Directory to search for palliative care services in your area.
Visit Palliative Care Australia at www.palliativecare.org.au