You can access palliative care in Brisbane South through a referral from your GP, a specialist, or a community nurse. However, many families dealing with a life-limiting illness don’t know that palliative care can start at any stage.
PalAssist connects you with registered nurses who walk you through your options and local services. It’s free for Queensland residents, open seven days a week from 7 am to 7 pm. Queensland Health helps fund palliative care across Brisbane South, with in-home support and hospital-based teams available.
In this guide, we’ll explain the ways of getting a referral, contacting palliative care teams, and understanding your options in Brisbane South. We’ll also cover in-home care, paediatric services, and advanced care planning.
Read on to learn how to access palliative care services in Brisbane.
Palliative Care in Brisbane South: What It Is and When You Need It
Palliative care is medical support that manages symptoms and improves quality of life when you’re living with a life-limiting illness. You can start palliative care at any stage of illness, even while receiving other treatments.
Take a look at what palliative care covers and when you should consider starting.
Understanding Palliative Care for Life-Limiting Illness
Palliative care allows you to get symptom relief while continuing other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation (and the support extends to your whole family).
Common services include:
- Medication monitoring
- Equipment provision
- Counselling and home help
- Referrals to financial support
Family members often feel supported knowing specialist teams coordinate all aspects of care. The palliative care team works closely with your existing doctors to monitor patient progress.
The Best Time to Start Palliative Care in Queensland
Many families ask, “Is it too early to start palliative care?” but the answer is almost always no. You can start palliative care at any age, including paediatric patients and older Queenslanders. If you’re experiencing pain, breathlessness, nausea, or other distressing symptoms, palliative care can help now.
Although people living with a life-limiting condition benefit from early support. Studies also show that patients who start palliative care earlier report better quality of life and feel more in control of their illness journey.
How to Access Palliative Care Services in Brisbane South
Accessing palliative care in Brisbane South requires a referral from your GP or specialist doctor (we know how overwhelming this may feel).
The process takes just a few steps once you know who to contact for help. And PalAssist can guide you through the referral process and connect you with local palliative care services.
Here’s how to get started.
Getting a Referral from Your GP or Health Professional
Your GP or specialist creates a referral letter that includes your diagnosis, current symptoms, and medical history. The referral helps specialist palliative care teams understand your medical history and current symptoms.
Doctors, including your oncologist, community nurse, or other health professionals, can all refer you to palliative care services (and you can ask your doctor for a referral at any point in your illness journey). The initial assessment uses this information to create your patient’s care plan.
Calling the Palliative Care Number: PalAssist 1800 772 273
Calling PalAssist allows you to get immediate advice from registered nurses who know Brisbane South services inside out. We provide free advice about palliative care services across Queensland from 7 am to 7 pm daily. Nurses and allied health professionals will answer your questions and help you find local Brisbane South services.
You can also chat online through their website if you’d rather type than talk. The service helps connect you with the right palliative care providers for your situation.
Connecting with Specialist Palliative Care Teams
Specialist palliative care teams complete years of advanced training in symptom control that general health professionals don’t receive. And from what we’ve seen working alongside Brisbane South palliative teams, specialist palliative care can manage and even alleviate complex symptoms.
Brisbane South has several specialist teams available through Queensland Health hospitals and community services. These specialist palliative care services include palliative care specialists, specialist clinical nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers.
What’s more, rural and remote patients can access specialist care through the SPaRTa telehealth service. The team provides specialist palliative support for end-of-life care and ongoing symptom management.
Palliative Care Options in Brisbane South
Queensland Health and community providers offer palliative care in multiple settings across Brisbane South, depending on your situation and what you prefer. These are where you can access care services:
In-Home Palliative Care Services
Home care lets you stay in familiar surroundings with family and pets nearby. Here, registered nurses and allied health professionals will visit your home to provide symptom management and support. You’ll also receive 24/7 support through phone or video calls when you need help overnight.
Most importantly, health professionals manage your physical and emotional needs while you remain comfortable at home. Patients often feel more relaxed receiving care in their own space.
Did You Know? Nearly 60-70% of Australians want to receive end-of-life care at home, but only 15% actually do without proper support.
Hospital and Hospice Facilities
Hospice facilities provide residential palliative care when symptoms are too hard to manage at home. Furthermore, specialist palliative doctors and nurses work together to support patients with complex needs.
Brisbane South hospitals have specialist palliative care units with trained staff and equipment. Their hospital teams coordinate with your GP and home care providers for smooth transitions. Your loved ones can also visit and stay involved in your care.
Aged Care Facilities with Palliative Care
Many aged care facilities in Brisbane South have staff trained in delivering palliative care. If you already live in aged care, palliative services can come to you. In this case, specialist teams consult with aged care staff to manage your symptoms and care plan.
In fact, residential aged care facilities can provide palliative support without you needing to move. Their care plan adapts to your changing needs. This option works well for people already settled in aged care communities.
Paediatric Palliative Care and Special Services
Children with life-limiting illness receive age-appropriate palliative care designed around their play, family time and comfort rather than clinical routines. Plus, Queensland offers specific services for cultural groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities. These advance care plans help you document your wishes and preferences with your care team.
Take a look at the palliative supports that recognise unique needs.
Hummingbird House and Children’s Palliative Care
Hummingbird House is Queensland’s only specialist children’s hospice, located on the Gold Coast. Children here can receive respite care, symptom management, and end-of-life care in age-appropriate settings. Their teams include child life therapists, social workers, and nurses trained in paediatric palliative care.
The facility addresses physical symptoms while supporting emotional and spiritual needs through play and family activities. Carers and other family members can stay with their child or take respite knowing their loved one is well cared for.
Most importantly, Hummingbird House gives families a break while ensuring children receive expert care from health professionals who specialise in paediatric support.
Advance Care Planning with Your Care Team
Once you’re connected with palliative care services, your health professionals will help you create an advanced care plan along the way. That care plan documents your preferences for treatment, where you want to receive care, and who should make decisions if you can’t. This planning is updated gradually as your relationship with the palliative care team develops.
In particular, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families receive culturally appropriate care with access to interpreter services. LGBTQIA+ patients similarly get inclusive care that respects relationships, identity, and chosen family structures.
Beyond these, people with disabilities acquire palliative care adapted to communication needs and support requirements.
Making the Call: How to Start Your Palliative Care Journey
Accessing palliative care in Brisbane South starts with a conversation with your GP or specialist about a referral. You can receive care at home, in hospital, through aged care facilities, or via telehealth if you’re in a rural area.
If you’re experiencing distressing symptoms like pain, breathlessness, or nausea, starting palliative care early can help. Early palliative care gives you more time to create your advance care plan and coordinate services.
If you’re unsure where to begin, call PalAssist on 1800 772 273 or visit our website for guidance from registered nurses. The team can explain your local Brisbane South options and help you understand what palliative care services suit your situation.