Palliative Care

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialised care for people with life limiting illness. Its main objective is to achieve the best possible quality of life, both for the person, and for their family. As such, palliative care is more than the provision of medical relief from pain and other distressing symptoms, it encompasses the psychological, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of end of life care.

The palliative care philosophy affirms life and regards dying as a normal process. It neither aims to hasten nor postpone death. It endeavours to provide a team-based support system so people are able to live as actively and fulfilled a life as possible in the time remaining, and to help their family cope during their loved one’s illness and with their own bereavement.

Care can be provided at home, in a hospital, an aged care facility or a palliative care unit. Familiar environments are preferred where possible. Effective advance care planning can avoid an unwanted transfer to a hospital. Above all, palliative care respects the dignity of the person who is dying, carefully taking into account their wishes and needs.

ARV Palliative Care Support

Specialist Palliative Care nurses are available to all ARV residents and clients. Following an assessment of the person’s situation, these nurses become part of your care team. ARV utilises a team approach to palliative care. Included in that team are Registered nurses, care staff and GP’s as well as other health professionals including physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Importantly, the team also includes Chaplaincy, volunteers, family and friends. All these people play a part in the process of palliative care, with the objective of the person living as well as possible within the confines of their illness. This also facilitates the seamless coordination of services to achieve the best possible quality of life for those in our care.

To contact ARV Palliative Care Support please call.1300 111 278.