When you need help and advice

You will need a referral from your GP or medical specialist to Silverchain in the home palliative care. Silverchain provides specialist palliative care services and support in the home in metropolitan areas.

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

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

A good place to start is with Advance Care Planning (ACP). 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. ACP information can also be found on our website HERE. We offer introductory ACP Community Workshops and when you have completed one of those workshops you can access our ACP Support Service to help with completing your documents.

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.

Metropolitan Palliative Care Consultancy Services (MPaCCS) provides patient consultancy and palliative care support to all aged care staff working in residential aged care facilities. If you have concerns about your loved one’s care as they approach end of life, speak to your love one’s aged care team or GP 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.

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.

Palliative Care WA provides ACP Community Workshops to provide information on these documents to enhance people’s understanding. ACP 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 for more information about the workshops.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Silverchain Specialist Palliative Care Services is a 24-hour service and is always available for after-hours calls by phoning 1300 650 803 or 1300 300 122. A nurse will call back to find out more and then visit if required. If pain worsens, it is advisable to call Silverchain again to speak to the nurse on call.

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.