I am a patient

Palliative care provides high quality health care to people living with a life-threatening illness to live as well as they can by managing pain and symptoms to ensure their quality of life is maintained.

Why do I need it?

Palliative care will help you manage your illness, particularly pain and symptoms so you can continue to live life as well as you can while dealing with your illness. You may need it or want to have it from diagnosis or you may choose to take it up once your illness progresses to a certain stage. You may have an on-off rotation through palliative care through various stages of your illness as you have periods of wellness and illness.

How do I get it?

Palliative care can be accessed through referral from your General Practitioner, medical specialist or other health provider.

Palliative care is available to anyone with a life-threatening illness, not just cancer patients. People living with dementia, chronic conditions or degenerative conditions can access palliative care.

How much does it cost?

This all depends on the unique circumstances of each patient. Members subsidise, some medical aids pay etc.

Who does it?

Palliative care is inter-disciplinary team care – so care is typically shared between a range of providers from specialists to general practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals and social workers.

Who will help my family when I am gone?

Palliative care also supports carers and family members. There are several support services for people who are grieving.

An FAQ is also provided for you to download. Click on the button below to access it.