What is Palliative Care? It recognises
the special and individual needs and uniqueness of each situation
- It provides symptom management and relief.
- Integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of patient
care.
- It affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. The
intention is to neither hasten nor postpone death. Aiming to
enhance the quality of life and have a positive influence on
the illness.
- Offers a support system to help patients live as actively
as possible and provide supports to the family/carers during
the patient’s illness and in their bereavement..
- Uses a team approach (General Practitioners, Medical Specialists,
Specialist Palliative Nurses, Pastoral Care Workers, Social
Workers, Counsellors, Practitioners of Complementary Therapies,
District Nursing Services, Occupational Therapists, Volunteers,
Day Hospice……..)
- May be incorporated as an adjuvant to other therapies (radiotherapy,
chemotherapy, surgery) that may prolong life.
It allows a person control and quality of life at a stage when
one’s life and time are precious. Palliative Care is also
available for children.
The “Palliative Approach” is where it is recognised
that a person is nearing the end of their life (frail aged, non
malignant diseases such as Motor Neurone Disease, end stage organ
failure, life threatening event i.e. stroke) and the palliative
principles are applied.
Specialist Palliative Care Nurse Consultants are available in each of the acute public hospitals within the Eastern Metropolitan Region. Inpatient Palliative Care can occur in designated units such as Wantirna Health or can be delivered within a general ward. Hospice care is provided at Caritas Christi Hospice. Palliative care can also occur within your own home with support from your family or care network
For further information please contact your local palliative
care service, your general practitioner or treating health professional.
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