What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses. While it is often provided alongside curative treatments, its primary goals are comfort and support for both patients and their families. A palliative approach addresses not only physical symptoms, but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Notably, 40 per cent of hospital presentations for palliative care involve individuals with a cancer diagnosis, and 50 per cent of primary palliative care episodes are for patients with cancer (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). This highlights the essential role of palliative care in supporting those facing serious health challenges.

A profound aspect of palliative care is the concept of hope. This hope isn’t necessarily tied to the expectation of recovery. Instead, it focuses on finding joy and connection even in difficult circumstances. Even when faced with an incurable disease there is still the opportunity to have meaningful moments-whether through cherished interactions with loved ones, engaging in favourite activities, or simply enjoying the beauty of a day.

What is Palliative Care?

Palliative care supports people with a progressive, life-limiting illness such as cancer to live as fully and comfortably as possible. The goal is to maintain your quality of life by identifying and supporting your physical, emotional, cultural, social and spiritual needs. Palliative care is tailored to each individual and varies from person to person.

Who will provide my Palliative Care?

Anyone who supports your wellbeing can be a valuable part of your palliative care. Your needs are unique, and you will often work with a General Practitioner or Medical Practitioner, along with specialised nursing and allied health professionals. If your situation is more complex, a specialist palliative care team will be there to ensure you receive the compassionate care you deserve.

Where is my Palliative Care provided?

Your palliative care team will partner with you and your caregiver(s) to determine the most comfortable setting for your care. This could be in your own home with support from community services, in a hospital, at a residential aged care facility, or in a hospice (palliative care unit) when that feels right for you.

When is the best time to start my Palliative Care?

Palliative care is useful at any stage of advanced cancer. Depending on your unique needs, you might receive palliative care occasionally or more frequently. Palliative care is designed not only to support you, but also your loved ones, including making arrangements after your passing.

How do I pay for my Palliative Care?

The federal, state and territory governments fund a range of palliative care services that are free in the public health system – whether you receive care at home, in a residential aged care facility, in a palliative care unit or hospice, or in hospital (inpatient care). You may need to pay for out-of-pocket cost for treatments not covered by the public health system. Ask your palliative care team what cost is covered and not covered.

Does receiving Palliative Care mean I will die soon?

Some people live comfortably for months or years after an advanced cancer diagnosis. palliative care is focused on providing relief for symptoms and improving quality of life, regardless of the stage of illness. They may have palliative care for a while and then stop when their condition is stable. For others, the cancer advances quickly, and their care is focused on end-of-life needs soon after their referral to a palliative care service.

Does Palliative Care lengthen or shorten my lifespan?

The palliative care team provides services to improve your quality of life throughout the stages of advanced cancer. Studies have shown that effectively managing common symptoms, like pain, can help people feel better, tolerate cancer treatments and even live longer.

Can I still have cancer treatment while I receive Palliative Care?

You can still receive active cancer treatment to shrink or slow the growth of cancer. Your palliative care team will work with your cancer specialists to manage side effects from your treatment and maintain your quality of life.

Will I lose my independence from receiving Palliative Care?

Maintaining control over daily decisions is essential when faced with a life limiting illness. Palliative care can help maintain your mobility, independence, and functioning, especially as your health changes.

What if I live alone?

Community palliative care services can help you to stay at home for as long as possible. If you need 24-hour care, depending on your circumstances and care needs this may be available in a palliative care unit (hospice), hospital or residential aged care facility.

Adapted from Understanding Palliative Care, Cancer Council Australia © 2023.

About Palliative and Supportive Care Education (PaSCE)

Cancer Council WA offers Palliative Care Education for Health Professionals and Support Care workers. We are the chosen provider for palliative care education statewide by the Department of Health, and enhance palliative care across Western Australia. Through education we can put those in need first.

To view a list of our upcoming education sessions, please see our Palliative and Supportive Care Education event calendar.