Palliative care and end of life services
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- At the end – dying explained
There is no right or wrong way to deal with end of life and death. Your beliefs, values and experiences will shape your own views. Talking about dying can be hard but there is support available.
- End of life and palliative care at home
Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community.
- End of life and palliative care explained
End of life and palliative care services provide advice, referral and support for a person with a life-limiting illness, as well as their family, friends and carers.
- Medical treatment decision makers
You can appoint someone to be your medical power of attorney, to make medical decisions on your behalf when, in certain circumstances, you are unable to.
- What to do after someone dies
When someone dies, it will help to have a written plan of what you need to do and who you need to contact.
- Who's who in a palliative care team
The members of your palliative care team may include doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, volunteers and carers.
- Grief – support services
People who have support from family and friends are less likely to suffer poor health after bereavement and loss.
- Grief and children
It can be difficult to talk to a child about death, but it is important to be honest with them.
- What to do after someone dies
When someone dies, it will help to have a written plan of what you need to do and who you need to contact.
- End of life and palliative care at home
Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community.
- Palliative care – dealing with common symptoms
Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community.
- Palliative care – emotional, spiritual and cultural care
Someone with a life-limiting illness may experience highs and lows during palliative care. Services are available to provide support for emotional, spiritual and cultural care.
- At the end – dying explained
There is no right or wrong way to deal with end of life and death. Your beliefs, values and experiences will shape your own views. Talking about dying can be hard but there is support available.
- End of life and palliative care at home
Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community.
- End of life and palliative care explained
End of life and palliative care services provide advice, referral and support for a person with a life-limiting illness, as well as their family, friends and carers.
- Medical treatment decision makers
You can appoint someone to be your medical power of attorney, to make medical decisions on your behalf when, in certain circumstances, you are unable to.
- Who's who in a palliative care team
The members of your palliative care team may include doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, volunteers and carers.
- At the end – dying explained
There is no right or wrong way to deal with end of life and death. Your beliefs, values and experiences will shape your own views. Talking about dying can be hard but there is support available.
- End of life and palliative care at home
Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community.
- End of life and palliative care explained
End of life and palliative care services provide advice, referral and support for a person with a life-limiting illness, as well as their family, friends and carers.
- Voluntary assisted dying
Victoria is the first state in Australia to pass voluntary assisted dying laws. The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act (2017) provides a safe legal framework for people who are suffering and dying to choose the manner and timing of their death.
- What to do after someone dies
When someone dies, it will help to have a written plan of what you need to do and who you need to contact.
- Who's who in a palliative care team
The members of your palliative care team may include doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, volunteers and carers.
- Advance care plans
Advance care plans can help the people close to you and those caring for you to know what is important about the level of healthcare and quality of life you would want.
- End of life and palliative care at home
Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community.
- Making plans and decisions for the end of your life
Planning and making decisions about the end of your life can be a positive experience. It is a good opportunity to reflect on the things that are important to you, and to make arrangements that suit you.
- Medical treatment decision makers
You can appoint someone to be your medical power of attorney, to make medical decisions on your behalf when, in certain circumstances, you are unable to.
- Voluntary assisted dying
Victoria is the first state in Australia to pass voluntary assisted dying laws. The Voluntary Assisted Dying Act (2017) provides a safe legal framework for people who are suffering and dying to choose the manner and timing of their death.
- What to do after someone dies
When someone dies, it will help to have a written plan of what you need to do and who you need to contact.
- Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is an organisation that provides a free online and telephone helpline for people with depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.
- Cancer Council Victoria
Cancer Council Victoria aims to reduce the impact of all cancers for all Victorians.
- Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service
The CDAMS provides diagnosis and referrals to those experiencing memory loss and decreased cognition.
- Community health centres
Community health centres operate across Victoria and offer a range of community health services to local residents.
- Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service
DBMAS works to improve the lives of people with dementia whose behaviour is affecting their care.
- End of life and palliative care at home
Some people prefer having palliative care at home because of the familiar environment, feeling of independence and close access to family, friends and the local community.
- End of life and palliative care explained
End of life and palliative care services provide advice, referral and support for a person with a life-limiting illness, as well as their family, friends and carers.
- Lifeline
Call Lifeline to anonymously and confidentially discuss any personal difficulties, including suicidal thoughts at any time. Calls can be made at any time.
- My Aged Care
My Aged Care aims to help you navigate the aged care system.
- Oncologist
An oncologist treats people with cancer.
- Orthopaedic surgeon
An orthopaedic surgeon specialises in diagnosing, treating, preventing and rehabilitating musculoskeletal injuries and diseases, both surgically and non-surgically.
- Pharmacist
A pharmacist is a professional who specialises in preparing and dispensing medications, including medicines, ointments and tablets.
- Radiologist
A radiologist is a medical professional who specialises in using medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat injury and disease.
- Respiratory physician
A respiratory physician (respiratory and sleep medicine specialist) specialises in diagnosing, treating and preventing conditions and diseases affecting the respiratory system.
- Autopsy
Immediate family have the right to refuse a hospital post mortem of the deceased and can object to a coronial post mortem.
- Funerals
It is the funeral directors job to help with many of the legal responsibilities, including the death certificate.
- Grief
Grief is a process, not an event – most people will continue to grieve in subtle ways for the rest of their lives.
- Grief - how to support the bereaved
If you're unsure of how to support someone who is grieving, ask them.
- Medical treatment decision makers
You can appoint someone to be your medical power of attorney, to make medical decisions on your behalf when, in certain circumstances, you are unable to.
- Grief - how to support the bereaved
If you're unsure of how to support someone who is grieving, ask them.
- Palliative care - looking after yourself as a carer
If you are a carer for someone with a life-limiting illness, you need to look after yourself or the demands may wear you down. Support services are available for palliative and end of life carers.

