What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is for anyone of any age, whether they have been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition, or are simply reaching advanced aged and experiencing frailty. It can help a person manage their illness, particularly pain and other symptoms, so they can live life as well as possible.

For some people, palliative care may be helpful from the time of diagnosis of a life-limiting illness or as the challenges of advanced ageing are experienced and can be provided alongside other treatments. For others, palliative care can be an additional support later as the condition progresses.

Support may include:

• Relief from pain and other symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, breathlessness and anxiety
• Psychological, emotional and spiritual support
• Medication management
• Nursing and personal care support
• Help for families, carers and friends to have conversations about sensitive issues, such as advance care planning
• Access to resources and equipment to support care at home
• Referrals to respite care services
• Support to meet cultural needs
• Emotional and social support
• Grief and loss support for loved ones, after the person has died

Palliative care is provided where the person and their family, carers and friends want it to be provided, where possible:

• The person’s home
• GP or primary health care clinic
• Residential aged care home
• Hospital
• Group home
• Hospice (a dedicated health facility caring for people approaching the end of life)
• Outpatient clinic.

Palliative care is a team effort. Many people may be involved in caring for someone who is dying and supporting their primary carer. The care team might include:

• The person with a life-limiting illness’s regular general practitioner (GP)
• Aged care workers
• Community nurses
• Pharmacists
• Aboriginal health workers
• Paramedics
• Specialist palliative care team
• Volunteers
• Other healthcare professionals and support services
• Family, friends, and other informal carers also play an essential role in providing comfort, connection, and everyday support.

For help and information, or a referral to a palliative care service, ask your:

• Doctor (GP, specialist)
• Nurse
• Allied health professional
• Aboriginal health worker
• Aged care service coordinator or care worker
• Social worker
• Palliative Care Tasmania Directory (see below)

It’s important to note that not everyone will need specialist palliative care.

Many people receive the support they need from their GP and healthcare team. However, for those facing complex symptoms or challenges, specialist palliative care teams provide expert support to improve comfort and quality of life. These teams include nurses, doctors, social workers, and allied health professionals with advanced training in palliative care. They work alongside your GP and other healthcare providers to manage difficult symptoms like pain, breathlessness or nausea, as well as emotional and practical concerns.