What is palliative care?

Palliative care is an attempt to look after all the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of someone with a serious illness that cannot be cured.

It does not mean the end of all treatment. It means making choices about which treatments are important, and which are not.

People can receive palliative care in almost all places where health care is provided, such as hospitals and general practices, as well as in specialist centres such as hospices, and in their own homes. Most people are cared for by their own doctor in partnership with other specialists and community palliative care nurses, in close cooperation from family and friends.

In some cases specialist palliative care services are involved, mainly for people with complicated or severe conditions.

Many palliative care services provide specific support not only for the person who is dying, but also for families and carers.

Choices

It is important to understand what palliative care can offer and the range of services available. This will allow you to make better decisions about what kind of care is suitable, where to have it, and when to make a change.

Even if you are undergoing active treatment, you can still benefit from palliative care. It’s a good idea to discuss the options with your doctor. If you have advanced disease, it’s important to discuss your prognosis, wishes, values and end of life planning with your doctor.

When someone is nearing the end of their life and comes to a hospital department such as emergency or intensive care, it’s important for them and their family to have a clear plan of the goals of care, as well as their wishes around medical treatment, so this can be discussed with the doctors.

For further information about palliative care recommendations speak to your General Practitioner or visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website.

Finding services

Your doctor, community health centre, or local health department can provide information on palliative care and other relevant care services.

Palliative care services

• See state and territory specific palliative care associations.
• The Palliative Care Australia directory of services can assist you to find specialist and other palliative care services in your local area.

National and state resources

There are a range of national resources and state resources for people receiving palliative care and their carers. These government and non-government services relate to medical, financial and psychosocial support.

You can also visit the PalliAGED website for information on palliative care and end of life care and services for older Australians.

Disease-specific resources

Information from disease-specific organisations.

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Last reviewed: March 2019