When you or someone you care for is living with a life-limiting illness, understanding how to access palliative care support can ease much of the uncertainty. In Queensland, most people will continue to have their care managed by their General Practitioner (GP). At other times, there may be a need to refer on to Specialist Palliative Care Services, perhaps for complex symptom management or additional support needs.
Specialist Palliative Care Services may be available through public or private hospitals, or local hospice services. These services provide medical care, pain and symptom management, emotional support and practical guidance for patients and their loved ones.
If you are unsure where to begin, PalAssist is a free, statewide information and support service, for people affected by any type of life-limiting illness, including their carers and loved ones. PalAssist is funded by Queensland Health and provided by the Cancer Council Queensland. You can call our helpline on 1800 772 273, or contact us via webchat or email, to find information on local services that may provide community, at-home or inpatient care.
Starting the conversation
It is important to know that you can ask your health care team about palliative care at any stage of your illness, including when first diagnosed or while still receiving treatment. Most people begin accessing palliative care by talking with their GP or treating specialist, such as their Cardiologist or Oncologist. Your doctor can explain what services are available and make a referral to a local palliative care team. Depending on your situation and individual needs, this may involve:
- A community palliative care nurse visiting the home
- Specialist team support from within public or private hospitals
- Admission to a palliative care unit or hospice
- Involvement with residential aged care facilities staff
- Support from allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, dietitians or social workers
- Legal or financial planning services
- Advance care planning
- Emotional and spiritual cares
Public and private pathways
In Queensland, palliative care can be arranged via a number of channels, and in both the public and private systems.
- At home palliative care is referral-based and often delivered by a community palliative care team or nursing service.
- Hospital palliative care services are accessible, including as an inpatient or via the outpatient clinic setting.
- Residential aged care facilities may provide short-stay (respite) or long-stay care, if you cannot be cared for safely at home.
- Hospices are dedicated, standalone services, often like a home environment. These are usually accessed for end-of-life care.
Public services are usually free of charge, but you may need to contribute toward some items, like medications.
Private providers may be partly covered by health funds, depending on your individual policy, or funded privately if there are means.
We can help explain these, and other pathways, to help you decide which option best suits your own personal needs and situation. Contact PalAssist, between 7am and 7pm, 7 days a week, on 1800 772 273 for any support and navigation needs.
Finding services
PalAssist also maintains a dedicated Services Directory which allows you to search for palliative care providers, and related services, across Queensland. You can search for specifics, such as by service type or location, making it easier to connect with support that meets your individual needs.
Self-referral and immediate help
You do not need a referral to seek information or support from PalAssist. Anyone in Queensland can contact PalAssist directly for guidance, navigation or information around palliative care. Specially trained health care professionals are available, from 7am to 7pm, 7 days a week, to provide practical advice, emotional support and information.
Support for families and carers
Palliative care support extends to the whole family and carer circle, and is not just focused on the patient. Carers often need help managing their responsibilities, arranging respite or accessing financial assistance. Carer Gateway provides free carer counselling, coaching and emergency respite. You can also find carer-specific services in the PalAssist Services Directory.
If you are aged over-65 years and require in-home support or residential care, you may also be eligible for services through My Aged Care. This may include nursing, personal cares or respite (non-medical) support that can continue alongside your palliative (medical) management.
When to access palliative care
Palliative care is best introduced at the time of diagnosis of any life-limiting illness. It is often misunderstood as only beginning in the final days or weeks of life. Ideally, it should start much earlier and can be undertaken while still receiving standard treatment. Palliative care support may be involved if pain or symptoms are difficult to manage, if daily activities are becoming harder, for future care planning or if you and your family need emotional or practical support. The earlier palliative care is introduced, the more benefit it can provide over the longer term.
Taking the first step
Accessing palliative care in Queensland begins with a conversation and a willingness to ask for help. Speak with your GP, explore the PalAssist Services Directory, or call PalAssist for free, confidential advice. With the right information and support available, you and your loved ones can focus on comfort, dignity and spending meaningful time together.