Helpline
Call 1800 573 299
9am to 5pm every day of the year
Life becomes an emotional roller-coaster when you or a loved one are told you have a terminal illness or are nearing end of life.
Our compassionate and expert local team are here to listen and help you navigate your way through the challenges.
We have the time to talk it all through, help you to better understand your situation and your options, and point you in the right direction to access the services or further support that you need.
Our team can provide information and support on any issues to do with end-of-life planning, palliative care and grief and loss.
Take a look at our short promotional video on the Palliative Care Helpline HERE.
To read our Palliative Care Helpline Interim Report – April 2023 which shows the increase in awareness of the service and the number of calls received, visit HERE.
To access our Palliative Care Helpline poster, visit HERE.
The best people for your worst days
We offer information and support to any member of the WA community who is dealing with palliative care or end-of-life issues for themselves or for someone else.
That means you could be someone newly diagnosed with a chronic disease or terminal condition or who has lived for some time with that condition. You may be the carer, family member or friend of someone who has been recommended for palliative care or who is already receiving palliative care. You could have someone in your life in residential aged care and approaching the end of their life. You may want to do some end-of-life planning for yourself or assist someone else and don’t know where to start. You may be struggling with grief for someone who has already died or who is approaching the end of their life.
What do we do? We listen
We are here to listen to you – to hear your concerns, provide as much information as we can, and point you in the right direction to access services, advice or further support. You can call as many times as you need. All calls are completely confidential.
What we help with
The Palliative Care Helpline has already helped hundreds of Western Australians with a wide variety of questions, situations, and concerns. Here are just some of the reasons people have called.
- We’ve been told my wife needs palliative care. Where do I go to organise it?
- My parent is nearing the end of their life. How do I access the right kind of care for them?
- My condition is progressing and I want to put plans in place for my end of life, but I don’t know where to start.
- My family can’t agree on what kind of care our elderly parent needs. Where can I go to get more information on our options?
- I don’t want to go into hospital to get palliative care. Can I get care at home? What are the other options?
- My kids don’t want to talk about my death. How can I let them know what I want for my end of life?
- I’m not in WA and my siblings tell me my mother who is in aged care has stopped eating. What does that mean? Shouldn’t they be trying to feed her?
- I’ve just received a diagnosis and I know my health is going to slowly decline. Where do I go for support and information?
- My husband has dementia and I feel like I’m already grieving even though he is still alive. Is that normal?
- My Dad wants to die at home but Mum is very stressed and can’t cope. Is there someone she can talk to? How do I get some help for them?
- I’ve spoken to several different people about my husband’s treatment and I still don’t really understand what our options are. I feel like I can’t get the right information if I don’t have the right questions to ask. Can you help?
Please note that the Palliative Care Helpline does not provide counselling or clinical information, and we can’t advocate on your behalf.
How to contact us
This FREE Helpline operates 9.00am to 5.00pm, every day of the year.
For information, support and understanding, please call us on 1800 573 299.
If you know someone who could benefit from talking with us please let them know.
The Palliative Care Helpline is funded by the WA Health End of Life Care Program in the WA Department of Health.
Coming events
View allNews and updates
View allGrief Cafe – new monthly discussion group starts Friday
Thanatologist Dr Margaret Sealey will be holding a monthly Grief Café on the first Friday of each month at Impresso Roastery in the Coles Shopping Centre, 115 Cambridge St, West…
Registrations now open for the 2024 Palliative Care Summit
We are delighted to announce that registrations are NOW OPEN for the 2024 Palliative Care Summit – Navigating the crossroads: Building the intersection between palliative care and neurodegenerative disease on…
New book shows how to hope for the best and plan for the rest
Palliative Care WA is proud to offer for purchase copies of Professor Hsien Seow’s book, ‘Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 keys for navigating a life-changing diagnosis’….
Script from the crypt – new event on the PCWA calendar
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PCWA Membership drive – winners announced
We are delighted to announce the three winners of our bonus year of Palliative Care WA membership – effectively two years membership for the price of one! They are: Kate…
Keynote speakers for 2024 Palliative Care Summit announced
We are delighted to announce that Professor Sue Kurrle AO, Curran Professor in Health Care of Older People, Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, and Professor…
Do you work or volunteer in palliative care? We want to hear what you think!
National Workforce Survey Survey closes at midnight on Sunday 11 August 2024 Palliative Care Australia has invested in a national survey targeted at those who work and volunteer in palliative care,…
High tea to help raise funds for Ambulance Wish
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Advance Care Planning Support Service comes to an end
The pilot program for the Advance Care Planning Support Service has now concluded and further funding is currently not available. We are saddened that we cannot continue this valuable and…
It’s time to join Palliative Care WA – chance to win free membership
Stay informed, get involved and positively impact the delivery of palliative care in WA. By becoming a Palliative Care WA Member you are helping us to provide an independent, informed and…
Bright new look for Palliative Care WA launched today
Palliative Care WA has a new look. It features an orange heart, universally known as a symbol for care and friendship. The orange heart is seen as being ‘heart-warming and…
Sector breakfast explores sharing the care in a compassionate communities’ approach to care
This year’s Annual Sector Breakfast to celebrate National Palliative Care Week 2024 drew a broad range of sector professionals and community members across three locations – Perth, Bunbury and Albany….