Understanding Palliative Care
Palliative care is healthcare that focuses on improving the quality of life and care for people with a life-limiting illness and their families.
It includes:
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the prevention and relief of suffering
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communication about goals of care
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the early identification, assessment and treatment of physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual symptoms.
Palliative care does not aim to slow down or speed up the dying process. Rather, it helps people live as actively as possible until death by enhancing their quality of life.
You do not need to stop other treatments while receiving palliative care, but you can choose to if you wish.
Your questions about palliative care
Navigating palliative care can bring many questions and concerns. This page aims to familiarise you with specialist palliative care, increase your awareness, and help you understand your choices. We'll guide you through the practical help available from government, private, and community providers, helping you access the support you need for yourself or a loved one.
What is specialist palliative care?
Specialist palliative care supports people of any age who are experiencing severe or complex symptoms due to a life-limiting illness. It focuses on expert symptom control and psychological, social, spiritual, and cultural care.
How do I access specialist palliative care services?
A referral is required to access specialist palliative care services. Speak to your healthcare providers, such as your GP or specialist, to request a referral or learn more about services in your area.
What does palliative care cost in Queensland?
If you have a Medicare card, palliative care delivered by Queensland Health is generally free. You may need to pay for the hire of some specialist equipment, medications, dressings, and certain services or treatments. Always speak with your palliative care team or GP for more information.
What if I choose extra services or private care?
You may incur additional costs if you choose to receive extra services beyond what Queensland Health provides, or if you access palliative care in a private hospital. Medicare and private health insurance rebates may apply, so always check with your private insurance company and care providers.
Who requires specialist palliative care?
It's for people experiencing severe or complex symptoms due to a life-limiting illness. The decision is individual and based on needs and circumstances.
Where is palliative care delivered?
Palliative care may be provided in various settings, including your own home, a hospital, a dedicated palliative care unit, a residential aged care facility, or a hospice. This flexibility ensures care can be tailored to your needs.
Why might someone not access specialist palliative care?
Some people may not require it if they pass away quickly due to severe injury or illness. Others may choose not to access it, or it may not be deemed appropriate for their specific situation.
What support do specialist palliative care staff provide?
These staff are trained with specific skills and knowledge to help you, your family, and carers. They have expertise in symptom management and in emotional, spiritual, practical, and cultural care, offering comprehensive support.
Palliative Care Queensland
Empowering you to live your best life, right until the end
We are a leading charity and independent peak body representing palliative care providers, recipients and their families in Queensland. Our belief is that every single human deserves to live every day until their last.
We are committed to ensuring that every Queenslander has access to quality palliative care that is holistic and encompasses the individual’s social, emotional, physical and spiritual needs.
Everybody has a role to play in supporting each other in times of loss, ageing, dying and grief. So, we support communities in feeling confident about having open, empathetic conversations and in supporting each other through one of life’s most challenging journeys.
Karuna Hospice Services
A specialist, community-based
palliative care organisation in Brisbane North.
Guided by our Buddhist principles of compassionate care, we offer Specialist Palliative Care, Carer Support Services, and Spiritual Care. We support all people affected by life-limiting illness, loss, or grief, including patients, carers and families, and the wider community.
We advocate for inclusive support for all people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, LGBTIQA+, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, refugee and asylum seekers, and those living regionally or remotely.
Taking the next step
Locating palliative care services
The National Palliative Care Service Directory provides information about specialist medical, nursing or allied health palliative care service providers, organisations and community support agencies.