Palliative care is a very specialised range of medical services. It is specifically a person and familycentred care program that is provided where a person has an active, progressed or progressive or advanced disease, where there is little or no prospect of cure. It is ensuring the person is
comfortable in their end of life period and the family feel supported and informed.
Services can be broad, across a range of medical interventions, treatments or services, or targeted to one or two treatments or services. It can be pain relief, symptoms management, or other specialised medical care that aims to improve the quality of life for both the person with the illness and also their families.
Who Provides Palliative Care?
There are many palliative care providers. Hospitals or aged care facilities will have palliative care teams who are dedicated to this service.
If you or your loved one would like to carry out palliative care at home, there are providers through the National Disability Insurance System and Aged Care Services. At Holistic Care Services, we offer wrap around care services, including palliative care. Our dedicated teams are well equipped to give you the caring support you need throughout this difficult time.
Funding for Palliative Care
Funding for palliative care can vary from state to state, so make sure you check your local government website. Also, the Australian Government has some referral information on their website that can be helpful.