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I’m a Carer
To find palliative care services in your area, click here.
Finding out someone you know is going to die comes as a shock. Their world has suddenly changed. Anxiety, sadness and even anger at the news are all common reactions.
Many people, though, choose to see themselves as living with a disease or condition, rather than dying from it.
The person will be receiving care that aims to help them live as well as possible and to stay in control.
This involves looking after all their needs with physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual support. Importantly, it also involves caring for the person’s family and carers.
Caring for a person can be demanding. Carers try hard to keep things normal in an abnormal situation. Roles change. Relationships can come under strain as people adjust to their new lives. Yet, most families and carers talk about how rewarding it can be.
You can undertake online training to help you prepare for the palliative care journey.
Resources
For more information about helping someone close to you living with a life limiting illness, click on the links below. These pages are also available to download.
- Asking questions can help
- Diabetes and palliative care – information for carers
- Directory of Services
- Dying to Talk Discussion Starter
- Facts about morphine and other opioid medicines in palliative care
- How can I support my friend/family member?
- Learn more about pain and pain management
- Questions for carers to ask
- The dying process
- Understanding grief
- What is palliative care?
External:
If you need additional support below are a number of organisations that may be able to help you.
National:
- Carers Australia
- My Aged Care
- Department of Human Services
- Health Direct
- Department of Social Services
- Carers Australia, Young Carers
- MIND Australia
- SANE Australia
- Alzheimer’s Australia
- Reach Out
- Carer Recognition Act 2010
- Cancer Council
- Life Circle
- Beyond Blue
- Care Aware
- Lifeline
Disclaimer: PCA provides these links for information purpose only. It is not responsible for the content of these websites.
If you notice any of the links are broken, or would like to suggest additional information resources to be added, please contact us.
Find a service
Search our directory of services to find specialist care providers near you.
If you're still looking for more information access our resources or contact us.