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Responding to the challenge of a life-limiting illness is an emotional and overwhelming time for patients, family and carers. No-one can prepare us for the myriad feelings and concerns we are likely to experience and the challenges ahead.

The following information aims to help people with a life-limiting illness or condition who are receiving palliative care or are newly diagnosed. It is also hoped that the information will also be of help those caring for a person with a life-limiting illness or condition.

Information booklets – Palliative Caring and My Palliative Care

New editions of our popular Palliative Caring booklet and its new companion booklet, My Palliative Care, are now available.

These WA-specific resources have been developed by Palliative Care WA through sector consultation and in recognition of the need for two tailored, consumer-centric booklets.

The free booklets provide information to support families and carers as they negotiate the often-uncharted waters of caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness, and for individuals on the palliative care journey themselves.

They have been made possible through generous funding via the Greater Choices for at Home Palliative Care, an Australian Government initiative implemented by WA Primary Health Alliance in WA.

To obtain copies of these helpful booklets, please contact Palliative Care WA via info@palliativecarewa.asn.au or on 1300 551 704. To download a copy of each booklet, see below:

Palliative Caring – Revised September 2024

My Palliative Care – Revised September 2024

Frequently asked questions

My health condition is deteriorating, and I’ve been told by my doctor that I have a prognosis of 6 to 12 months. I am 70 years of age and I want to stay in my own home. What’s the next step to receive palliative care support?

You will need a referral from your GP or medical specialist to Silverchain in the home palliative care. Silverchain will arrange to visit you at home for an assessment and services. This service is available only in the Perth Metropolitan area. As you are over 65 years of age, you could also register with My Aged Care for an assessment that can provide you with further health and home services depending on eligibility. You can phone 1800 200 422, Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 8.00pm or view the website at myagedcare.gov.au

Our palliative care booklets may also be of support, My Palliative Care for you and Palliative Caring for your loved ones, available to browse on our website palliativecarewa.asn.au

We are living in a rural area and my partner’s health condition is worsening and he doesn’t want to go to hospital. What palliative care support is there available for us?

There are some palliative care services available for most country regions. Your GP or medical specialist will refer you to your nearest available service through WA Country Health Service (WACHS). To check your area’s services, visit the Healthy WA site healthywa.wa.gov.au and search your area for regional palliative care service.  Compassionate Communities may also be available in your area to provide encouragement and support during life’s challenging times, especially when associated with life-limiting illness, chronic disability, being a carer, ageing and dying and grief. Search compassionatecommunities.au

My elderly relative is approaching the end of life. How do I begin a conversation to help them understand what their decisions and choices are during this time?

A good place to start is with Advance Care Planning. Completing an Advance Health Directive, Enduring Power of Guardianship and Enduring Power of Attorney will often bring up thoughts and feelings your relative may have. Being able to document their final thoughts and wishes is also important so medical professionals and other loved ones know what your relative’s wishes are. Conversation starters and work cards for what matters most, as well as values and preferences forms, can be viewed on the website of Advance Care Planning Australia. Advance Care Planning information can also be found on our website along with ACP Workshops that are available for completing the documents. Visit HERE for more information.

My loved one is approaching the end of life and as their carer I am finding this time very challenging. Where can I get further support?

Carers WA provides many services to support carers, including carers in WA regions. The Carer Gateway is available to locate services and support. You can phone 1300 227 377 or visit their website carerswa.asn.au  Carer Help can also provide resources and information on death and dying, grief and loss as well as health and wellbeing. You may feel the need to talk to someone so visit your GP who can arrange a referral for a mental health treatment plan and counselling support.

My grandmother is a resident at an aged care facility and now requires specialist palliative care for pain and symptom control. Who provides this service and how can I arrange this for her?

Metropolitan Palliative Care Consultancy Services (MPaCCS) provides patient consultancy and palliative care support to carers working in aged care. If you have concerns about your loved one’s care as they approach end of life, speak to your love one’s aged care facility’s Nurse Manager about your concerns. You can request a review from MPaCCS and the care staff can arrange this for you. MPaCCS operates in the Perth metropolitan area only.

A GP mentioned palliative care to my elderly father a few months ago. As my father’s health declines, he is more accepting of palliative care. How do we arrange palliative care in the home?

Your father’s GP or medical specialist can arrange a referral for an assessment from Silverchain in the home palliative care This service is available in the Perth Metropolitan area only. You may also find our palliative care booklets, My Palliative Care for your father and Palliative Caring for you, helpful to understand and plan for your father’s approaching end of life.

The care nurse visiting my grandmother has talked about Advance Care Planning, including completing an Advance Health Directive. How do I go about getting some support with these documents?

Palliative Care WA provides Advance Care Planning Community Workshops to provide information on these documents to enhance people’s understanding. Advance Care Planning resource packs are provided as well as time to discuss, explore and give support on what matters to you at the end of life. Understanding how to express your wishes with loved ones and health care providers is also shared. Visit our website for more details or phone 1300 551 704 to book your place. The Healthy WA website also provides helpful self-paced guides and video links for advance care planning. Visit HERE and search advance care planning.

My loved one has been discharged from hospital and is now at home. As their carer, I am unsure about their care plan and how to support them. Where can I get some more information?

Contact the health facility that your loved one was discharged from and speak to either the discharge nurse or nurse manager on the specific ward your loved one was admitted to and request a copy of the discharge plan. Your loved one’s GP or medical specialist can also provide valuable support, medical advice and referrals if required.

I’m under 65 years of age and receive NDIS. I have an end-of-life health prognosis of 6 months.  How do I go about organising palliative care support?

Your GP or medical specialist can refer you to palliative care services at your local health facility and also for palliative care in the home. The NDIS funds several critical services for people who require palliative care, including personal care support, community access support, transport and household tasks, if eligible. End- of-life health care though is provided by your palliative care team.

I’m a carer for my husband who is living with dementia. Things are getting harder and I need more support and a break from caring. Where do I start?

Carers WA and the Carer Gateway provide information and support to all carers, including online skills courses, peer support groups, counselling, emergency respite as well as tips and information. Call 1800 422 737 Monday to Friday between 8.00am and 5.00pm to register for support. If your husband is currently receiving an aged care package, it may be time to ask for a reassessment to increase services provided, if eligible. Search myagedcare.gov.au. Dementia Support Australia also has a 24-hour helpline, providing expert information, advice and support every day of the year. Call 1800 699 799. Your GP is also a good point of contact for when you are struggling by providing further support for you.

My partner died over 5 months ago and I feel that I’m not coping well with my grief.  How do I go about receiving some support?

The Grief Line is available to listen and support you when grieving. They provide a free, compassionate and confidential support. Call the Helpline 7 days 8.00am – 8.00pm on 1300 845 745. Your GP can also refer you for grief counselling, or alternatively, you can find a local therapist at Good Therapy Australia.

I’m looking after my partner at home, who is under the care of Silverchain Palliative Care Services. It’s the weekend now and he is in increased pain, where can I get help?

During the weekend and public holidays some health services are limited. It would be important to firstly try to contact your Silverchain nurse or Silverchain services by phoning 1300 650 803 or 1300 300 122. Your partner’s GP may also be available so try the medical facility’s direct phone number. If your partner’s pain worsens or you cannot find support, you may have to take your partner to an emergency department at your local hospital for assessment. St John Ambulance can assist with transport. Phone 08 9334 1234 but if it is an emergency phone 000.

Who you can contact for more information and support?

  • Silverchain – for any queries on in-home palliative care – 1300 650 803 – silverchain.org.au
  • Metropolitan Palliative Care Consultancy Service (MPaCCS) – for further queries on current referrals (08) 9217 1777 – https://www.bethesda.org.au/facilities-services/mpaccs/
  • My aged care – 1800 200 422  www.myagedcare.gov.au
  • Advocare – information to assist navigating the aged care system: Advocacy, support, information and education –  1800 655 566 –  advocare.org.au
  • WA Elder Abuse Helpline – 1300 724 679 – advocare.org.au
  • Dementia Australia – for information, support, helpline, counselling, education – National Dementia Helpline – 1800 100 500 – www.dementia.org.au
  • Alzheimer’s WA – Advisory Service, day centres, support groups – 1300 667 788  – www.alzeimerswa.org.au
  • Carer Help – Pathways for when someone needs care, caring at end of life, after care – www.carerhelp.com.au
  • Carer Gateway – phone counselling, respite care, financial support, connect with others carer, skills course – 1800 422 737 Mon to Fri 8am to 5pm – www.carergateway.gov.au
  • Health and Disability Services Complaints Office (HADSCO ) – https://www.hadsco.wa.gov.au/
  • Mental Health Advocacy Services – 1800 999 057 – https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/mental-health-advocacy-service
  • WA Combined Palliative Outreach Service – for health professionals seeking advice – 1300 558 655

For other contacts, please see the contacts sections of Palliative Caring and My Palliative Care.

Other information

Palliative Care Services Directory

Our workshops

Grief and loss

Care and support for pets