Palliative care improves the quality of life of someone who has an illness that can’t be cured. Palliative care specialists often work as part of a team to address the person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. They also provide support to the family or caregiver.
End-of-life care is an important part of palliative care. The care people receive in the last days, weeks and months of their lives can minimise their distress and grief, and that of their family and caregivers.
Palliative care services can be provided in a range of settings, including your home, an aged care home, hospital, or palliative care unit. To find a palliative care service in your area, see the directory below.
Thinking about your future health care needs can ensure your preferences are respected.
Documents and external links
Learn more about palliative care. These documents and websites offer help, strategies, and practical information. Brief descriptions are provided for each document or link.
10 questions to ask about palliative care in residential aged care
National Palliative Care service directory
End-of-life care
What matters to me: conversation guide
Download this helpful guide from the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care which provides you with ideas on how to start the conversation about your end-of-life care.
The Violet Initiative
The Violet Initiative provides free services, programs and resources to anyone in the community who is caring for someone in the last stage of their life – formally or informally – to help them be better prepared and supported in their role.
LGBTQI+ care
Multilingual resources on palliative care
