So, what is Palliative care?
Palliative care is about maintaining quality of life. The aim is neither to hasten nor postpone death. Rather, the focus is on living as well as possible, for as long as possible. It is for people of any age who have been diagnosed with a serious illness that cannot be cured. This includes children, young people, adults, and the elderly.
It helps people live as fully and as comfortably as possible with a life-limiting illness. It can be provided in your home, a hospital, a hospice, or an aged care (nursing) home.
At Portland District Health, we can provide such care free of charge for the people of Portland, Heywood, Dartmoor, Bessiebelle, and surrounds. This includes nurse consultant assessment, symptom assessment and management, access to specially trained Palliative Care Volunteers, bereavement services, counselling, carer respite, referral/liaison to other services, and access to equipment.
Care identifies and treats symptoms and issues associated with life-limiting illness which may be physical, emotional, spiritual, or social. Offering a family-centred model of care, meaning that family and carers can also receive practical and emotional support.
Starting palliative care depends on the stage illness. Care may start not long after getting a diagnosis. This can often help you and your family deal with a diagnosis. Or you may not need it until your illness progresses. You can also have other treatments by different doctors even when you are having palliative care.
Having care doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re likely to die soon. You can receive care for years if needed. If you have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness you may continue to live an active life for many years to come.
Is palliative care the same as end-of-life care?
The short answer is no, - You can receive palliative care at any stage of your illness. You can also continue treatment for your illness while you are having palliative care.
End-of-life care is the care given to people and their families who are facing the end of their life. End-of-life care is an important part of palliative care.
Contact the Portland District Health Palliative care team on (03) 5521 0674 or email communitypalliativecare.pdh@swarh.vic.gov.au for more information.
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