In Queensland, end-of-life support is available through services like PalAssist. They’re a dedicated specialist palliative care team with a network of hospices throughout the state. Typically, these services support patients and their families in addressing physical symptoms, emotional well-being, and practical needs.
At PalAssist, we know what we are talking about because we have expertise in end of life care in Queensland. Our registered nurses and allied health professionals have spent years guiding families through palliative care. That’s why we also understand how confusing the system can feel.
In this article, we will cover:
- Where to find palliative care services in Queensland
- How to access care through your GP
- Costs and eligibility through Queensland Health
- Support available for families and carers
Ready? Let’s begin.
Where Can You Find Palliative Care Services in Queensland?
You can find palliative care services through PalAssist, specialist teams, and hospices across Queensland. When someone you love receives a life-limiting illness diagnosis, it’s important to know where you can turn to. These services are designed to support both patients and families through every stage of care.
We’ll explain these options below.
PalAssist Phone and Online Support
PalAssist gives you immediate access to trained nurses without needing a referral. This free helpline is funded by Queensland Health and run by Cancer Council Queensland. Our registered nurses are available seven days a week from 7 AM to 7 PM.
What makes PalAssist so helpful is that you can call with any question. Nurses can talk you through symptoms, suggest local palliative care providers, or simply listen when you need someone who understands. If you are not sure where to start, this is a good first call to make.
Specialist Palliative Care Teams
Specialist teams bring together doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in one care plan. Their main focus is helping patients with serious illnesses manage difficult symptoms like pain, nausea, or trouble breathing (which can be a huge relief).
These teams also work alongside your general practitioner (GP). It means your loved one’s care stays consistent, regardless of where they are. And depending on your situation, they can support you at home, in hospital, or in an aged care facility.
Pro tip: Keep copies of care plans and medication lists at home in case emergency services are called.
Hospice and Inpatient Care
Queensland is home to a large number of hospices compared with other states across Australia. Many families find them a gentler alternative to hospital care. It’s because hospices offer end-of-life support in a home-like setting where patients can have family close by.
For instance, some hospices on the Gold Coast have private rooms where relatives can stay overnight. Staff include doctors, nurses, counsellors, and social workers who look after physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This way, your loved one is cared for around the clock.
How Do You Access Palliative Care in Queensland?
You access palliative care in Queensland by asking your GP for a referral. This might feel like a difficult conversation to start, but your doctor is the best person to guide you through the options available in your area.
And the earlier you begin this process, the more time you have to plan care that suits your loved one’s needs and preferences.
Let’s get into more detail about these choices.
Getting a Referral From Your GP
Not sure how to start the conversation with your doctor? Just say that you would like to know more about palliative care options. Your GP can then assess your loved one’s condition and refer them directly to a specialist palliative care team.
During this appointment, it helps to ask about advance care planning as well. This is where your loved one can record their wishes for future treatment, so doctors and family members know what’s most important to them. Then your GP can provide the right forms and explain how the process works.
read more : https://heatcaster.com/
Costs and Eligibility Through Queensland Health
Most palliative care services through Queensland Health cost nothing with a Medicare card. It includes consultations with specialist teams, home visits from nurses, and stays in public hospital palliative care units (it’s a relief for many families).
That said, some things may come with extra costs. For example, private hospital care, certain medications, and equipment hire can add up depending on your situation.
If you are worried about expenses, ask your care team about financial support options. They can connect you with programmes that help cover costs or loan equipment at no charge.
Useful tip: Review private health insurance policies carefully, as some benefits only apply under specific conditions.
What Support Is Available for Families and Carers?
Support for families and carers includes respite care, practical resources, and counselling services. Caring for someone with a life-limiting illness can be physically and emotionally draining, and it is easy to forget about your own needs.
However, these services exist to make sure you don’t have to do this alone. And it’s time to learn more about them.
Respite Care and Practical Resources
Once your loved one begins receiving care, you may need support too. Respite care gives you a short break from daily caregiving responsibilities, be it for a few hours or a few days. This time allows you to rest, attend appointments, or simply recharge.
The Queensland Government also provides the following practical resources to help manage care at home:
- Equipment Loans: Hospital beds, wheelchairs, and mobility aids can be borrowed at no cost through Queensland Health programmes. This kind of support makes caring for your loved one at home safer and more manageable.
- Home Nursing: Registered nurses visit your home to assist with wound care, medication, and symptom management. They take pressure off family members who may not have medical training.
- Transport Assistance: You can get free or subsidised transport for medical appointments through various community programmes. Families in regional Queensland often find this option helpful when travelling long distances.
- Meal Delivery: Organisations like Meals on Wheels bring nutritious meals directly to your door. That’s one less thing to worry about, which can ease some of the stress during a difficult time.
- Respite Volunteers: While you take a break for a few hours, trained volunteers can sit with your loved one. Many carers use this time to run errands, catch up with friends, or rest.
Carers Queensland is another good place to start. They connect families with local community services and can help you work out what support you are eligible for.
Put simply, accessing the right mix of services can ease the load and bring some stability to daily care.
Counselling and Grief Support
The emotional weight of caring for someone with a life-limiting illness can feel overwhelming at times. So, counselling services help families process difficult emotions while their loved one is still receiving care (during moments that are hard to name).
Grief support also continues after death through bereavement programmes offered by hospices and community organisations. And PalAssist can connect you with counsellors in your area who specialise in end-of-life care, so you have someone to talk to when you need it.
Reach Out for Palliative Care Help in Queensland
You now know where to find palliative care services in Queensland, how to access them through your GP, and what support is available for your whole family. We understand how difficult this time can be, and no one should have to face it without guidance.
If you are unsure where to begin, PalAssist is a good first call. Our registered nurses are available seven days a week from 7 AM to 7 PM to answer your questions, provide emotional support, and connect you with local services.
Call us on 1800 772 273 or visit our website to learn more.
