Practical Help for Families Facing the End of Life in Queensland

“Is it too early for palliative care?” “Who do I even talk to first?” If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, you’re in the right place. 

It’s normal to feel uncertain when a loved one receives a life-limiting diagnosis. The good news is that palliative care in Gold Coast, like Pal Assist are here to help you find answers. We are a free service staffed by registered nurses who can point you toward the right local support.

A common misconception we often hear is that palliative care is only for patients who have given up hope, but that isn’t true. Palliative care can start at any stage of an illness and often runs alongside active treatment. 

So, if you or your family are delaying palliative care because of such misconceptions, it’s time to reach out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what palliative care means, how it can help your family, and where you can find support on the Gold Coast.

First, we’ll look at what palliative care really means for living well and for end-of-life care.

What Palliative Care Really Means for Life Care and End of Life Care

Palliative care is a specialised medical support that helps people with serious illnesses live as comfortably as possible. It addresses physical symptoms like pain, but also provides emotional, psychological, and spiritual care for patients and their families.

Here’s what you need to know about the different types of support available.

Support for Life and Living

Palliative care focuses on quality of life rather than curing an illness. Health professionals work alongside patients and their loved ones to manage symptoms and provide comfort during what can be an incredibly difficult time.

And the benefits go well beyond pain relief. Palliative care teams can also help with feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as the emotional weight that often comes with a life-limiting illness. 

Many teams offer spiritual support too, which can help patients find a sense of peace and meaning.

Specialist Palliative Care vs. General Support

Most people start by receiving palliative care from their GP or a community nurse. This general level of care supports many families because it provides ongoing support for everyday symptoms and needs at home. 

But when symptoms are more complex, like severe pain, breathing difficulties, or high levels of fatigue, you should get specialist palliative care. These specialists have training in managing these difficult symptoms and providing end-of-life care.

To access these specialist services, you’ll usually need a referral from your doctor. On top of that, getting identified early also means the patient can receive the right level of care before symptoms become harder to manage.

Why Early Access Is Important

Early access is important because it gives families more time to plan, adjust, and receive proper support. In fact, studies reveal that patients who receive palliative care earlier report better quality of life and lower levels of anxiety (and possibly even live longer).

Another benefit of starting early is fewer emergency hospital visits and better pain relief throughout the illness. And perhaps most importantly, it gives patients and carers reassurance knowing a team is already in place before things become overwhelming.

Accessing Palliative Care Services on the Gold Coast Through Queensland Health

Gold Coast residents can access specialist palliative care services through Queensland Health at no cost. These services include an inpatient unit at Robina Hospital, community home visits, outpatient clinics, and bereavement support.

Below, we’ll walk you through how the referral process works and where you can receive care in your local area.

How the Palliative Care Referral Process Works

As we mentioned before, you have to get a referral from a doctor to access specialist palliative care services on the Gold Coast. Your GP, hospital team, or medical specialist can fill out a referral form on your behalf and send it through to the palliative care service.

Now, if you’ve seen a referral form, you might notice terms like “named medical doctor” and “HHS requires completion.” Here, “named medical doctor” means your GP or specialist, who knows your medical history, must sign the form. And “HHS requires completion” asks that you (or your doctor) complete all sections before Gold Coast Health can process it.

So, in your case, the form may ask for your doctor’s name, the patient’s diagnosis, current medications, and contact details so the team has the full picture. 

Once the team receives your referral, they’ll assess your needs and get in touch to arrange your first meeting.

Where Services Are Available Locally

Palliative care on the Gold Coast is available in different locations to suit your needs. Robina Hospital, for example, operates a 16-bed palliative care unit for short-term symptom control and end-of-life care.

If you or your loved one needs round-the-clock care in a quieter setting, we recommend residential palliative care facilities that provide 24‑hour nursing and emotional support. 

For those who prefer to stay at home, community palliative care teams provide regular home visits and work closely with your GP. Residents in aged care and residential aged care facilities can also receive palliative support (though the level of service may vary depending on the facility).

What to Expect from Your Care Team

Your palliative care team will include different health professionals who work together to support you and your family. This team usually has doctors and nurses, along with social workers, chaplains, and allied health staff like physiotherapists.

One of the biggest benefits of a care team is that they coordinate your care across all providers. This means you won’t have to repeat your medical history at every appointment. Your GP will stay at the centre of your care. And the specialist palliative care team will provide extra support when symptoms become more complex or harder to manage.

Support for Families, Carers, and What Happens Next

So, has this guide helped you feel a bit more prepared for what lies ahead?

Caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness can be exhausting (both physically and emotionally). Feelings of burnout and isolation are also very common among carers, so please know that you don’t have to carry that weight on your own.

Palliative care teams are here to support both families and carers. They offer emotional, spiritual, and practical help throughout the end-of-life process. After your first assessment, your care team will sit down with you to create a plan that respects your loved one’s wishes. You’ll be involved in the decisions every step of the way.

If you need guidance or just want someone to talk to, Pal Assist is available 7 days a week on 1800 772 273.

Disclaimer 

This blog provides general health and product information for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always seek guidance from your GP, nurse, continence advisor, or pharmacist regarding your individual needs. If symptoms persist or you’re unsure about product use, consult a qualified healthcare provider.