Palliative Care Melbourne

Palliative care is a specialised approach to healthcare that focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals with a life-threatening illness or advanced disease. It provides practical and emotional support to patients and their families, aiming to relieve symptoms and manage pain rather than prolong life.

Our care teams work with you to establish a care plan you are happy with. This includes guardianship, advanced care directives, and offering support for your family, relatives, or representative. We support families at the end stage of life.

Many people believe palliative care is only offered at the end stage of life, but this is not true. For some people, a palliative approach may be beneficial from the time of diagnosis with a serious life-limiting illness. The relevant medical service will assess whether you or a family member requires palliative care.

We will work with your medical team, designated representative or family member, and—most importantly—you to establish and deliver your care plan. Your medical team can include your GP, illness specialist, psychologist, and any other qualified medical professionals involved in your treatment.

Yes, we can provide space for family members to access for overnight stays. We will make arrangements with you at the appropriate time.

Palliative care and end-of-life care are related but not the same. While palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness, end-of-life care typically focuses on the final stages when the illness progresses. Both types of care aim to offer comfort, but end-of-life care is more specific to the final weeks or months of life.

Both hospice and palliative care focus on providing comfort and improving quality of life. Hospice care is generally offered when curative treatments are no longer pursued, whereas palliative care can be provided alongside treatments that aim to prolong life.

Palliative care is beneficial at any stage of a serious illness and can be introduced early to help manage symptoms and offer guidance on future medical treatment decisions. It becomes especially important as the illness progresses, relieving pain and other symptoms.

Palliative care offers comprehensive support, including practical and emotional support for patients and their families. It can also provide grief support referrals, assist with respite care services, and help with decision-making about future medical treatment as the patient's condition changes.