Palliative care support services

EMPHN has received funding for Greater Choices For At Home Palliative Care Program, aiming to enhance the coordination of palliative care nationwide and align with the majority’s desire to receive care and conclude life at home.

Within EMPHN, we collaborate closely with palliative care service providers in our area, engaging with other PHNs in a Community of Practice to exchange knowledge and initiatives. Our efforts include promoting educational opportunities for General Practitioners (GPs) on palliative care and understanding the needs of Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) concerning palliative care resources and connections with specialist services as well as connecting with members of the community.

Swerissen H and Duckett S. (2014). Dying Well. Grattan Institute.

“Most people prefer to die comfortably at home or in a home-like environment with minimal pain and suffering. They hope to be surrounded by friends and family and the care services they need. A good death meets the individual physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of the dying person.”

The Palliative Care Access to Core Medicines (PCAM) Project facilitates timely access to essential medicines for those choosing to die at home, supporting them through palliative care. A complete Core Medicines List (CML) and map identifying the location of participating local community pharmacies in Melbourne has been developed in collaboration with NWMPHN and SEMPHN.

My Palliative Care Journey is an eight-part video series in collaboration with Palliative Care Victoria, Bolton Clarke and Eastern Melbourne Regional Palliative Care Consortium, “My Palliative Care Journey,” shares personal stories of caregivers navigating palliative care after losing a loved one.

Viewer discretion is advised, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the videos below contain the names of people who have died.

A collaborative digital storytelling project nationally across PHNs, “Your Voice Your Choice,” focuses on End of Life and Advance Care Planning. It provides a space to share stories and knowledge from community members, carers, and health professionals.

Advanced Care Planning Australia is a national program dedicated to promoting conversations and preferences for future healthcare. Through resources, education, and community engagement, they facilitate the development of advanced care plans, ensuring that people’s healthcare wishes are respected and honoured.

Banksia Palliative Care Service provides specialist palliative care services in the home across the Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea regions.

CareSearch is an online resource providing evidence-based information and support for palliative care. It offers a comprehensive knowledge base, educational materials and tools to assist health professionals, patients and families in navigating and understanding various aspects of palliative care.

Carers Victoria is an organisation committed to supporting and advocating for unpaid family and friend carers across the state. Through services, resources and community engagement, Carers Victoria strives to enhance the wellbeing and recognition of carers, addressing their unique challenges and providing valuable assistance.

Carer Help is an online resource that outlines five different pathways that relate to different stages of caring for someone approaching the end of life. It also provides access to additional resources, tools and information to help those providing care.

Caring@home aims to increase access to quality and timely end-of-life care for patients who choose to be cared for, and die at home, if possible.

The Eastern Metropolitan Region Palliative Care Consortium is an alliance of hospital-based and community palliative care providers in the Eastern Metropolitan Region. 

Eastern Palliative Care Service provides comprehensive specialist palliative care in the home across the eastern region of Melbourne.

The Healthy End of Life Program (HELP) is a comprehensive app designed to enhance the well-being of individuals approaching the end of their lives, prioritising both physical comfort and emotional support. Through personalised care plans, this program aims to ensure a dignified and peaceful transition, promoting a holistic approach to end-of-life care that addresses the unique needs and preferences of each individual.

PCAS is a free phone service that offers expert advice and guidance to the community, health professionals and aged care staff, regarding palliative care in Victoria. The service provides valuable information addressing complex care needs, managing symptoms, and ensuring effective communication within the palliative care context.

Palliative Care Australia focuses on enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families who are facing life-limiting illness. Through advocacy, education, and support, PCA strives to ensure comprehensive and compassionate care that addresses physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Palliative Care Victoria is dedicated to promoting and enhancing palliative care services across the state. They collaborate with health professionals, communities and policy makers to ensure accessible and high-quality care for individuals and families in Victoria.

Precious Time provides expert advice on how to talk about dying, how to live fully supported and with dignity, and how to sort out legal and financial issues. It also features a live blog and searchable database containing more than 400 organisations and business that provide useful services.

TCFV is a support organisation dedicated to helping bereaved parents, siblings, and families cope with the loss of a child, providing a compassionate and understanding community. Through peer support, meetings, and resources, TCFV offers a space for grieving families to connect and navigate their grief journey together.