End of life and palliative care aims to help you if you have a life-limiting or life-threatening illness. The focus of this type of care is managing symptoms and providing comfort and assistance. This includes help with emotional and mental health, spiritual and social needs. End of life and palliative care provides practical help with daily tasks as well. The goal is to improve your quality of life and that of your family, friends and carers.End of life and palliative care is based on what your needs are, not your diagnosis. If you have an illness that cannot be cured and will lead to the end of your life, end of life and palliative care will be suggested.
Who is end of life and palliative care for?
Anyone with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness is eligible for end of life and palliative care from a health service in Victoria. Chronic life-limiting illnesses for which you can receive end of life and palliative care include, but are not limited to:
- cancer
- heart and lung diseases
- motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- renal disease
- stroke and other neurological conditions
- other life-limiting illnesses.
However, end of life and palliative care is not just for people nearing the end of their lives. If you have a life-limiting or chronic ongoing illness you can receive end of life and palliative care, regardless of your age, culture, background or beliefs.