Palliative care

Palliative care offers a range of care and support options that can be tailored to meet your individual needs in 5 areas.

Physical needs – You may need relief of symptoms such as pain, breathlessness, nausea, restlessness and constipation or help with medicines. Palliative care practitioners can help you with moving around or they may suggest changes around the house to make things easier and safer for you. You may be offered a referral to services that give your carer a break for a short period of time (respite care).

Emotional needs – Palliative care can offer support for you, your family and carers to talk about the changes advanced cancer brings or other sensitive issues. You may also need help to decide what’s important to you, and to plan for your future care and where you would like to receive it. You can seek help to work through feelings with a counsellor or psychologist.

Cultural needs – Palliative care ensures that the care and conversations that you have are sensitive to your culture, ethnicity, background, beliefs and values.

Social needs – You can find help to achieve your goals and get the most out of each day through palliative care. It looks at your day-to-day needs, such as living arrangements, transport to medical appointments, meals, advice on financial issues or help to set up a support network.

Spiritual needs – This support may come from religious leaders you know (e.g. a pastoral carer or chaplain), or it may be available from spiritual care practitioners, or other professionals on the palliative care team.

Palliative care supports the needs of people living with a life-limiting illness in a holistic and patient-centred way. It aims to maintain your quality of life and make the time you have as meaningful as it can be. The focus is on what is important to you and your family.

Person-centred care

This means that the palliative care team will work with you to assess what you need. They can then make suggestions about treatment and ongoing care. Your care goals may change over time.

Where care is provided

The palliative care team will work with you and your carers to help plan the best place for your
care. At different times you may be at home supported by community palliative care services,
in hospital, at a residential aged care facility or in a palliative care unit (hospice).

When to start

Palliative care is useful at all stages of advanced cancer and can be given alongside active treatment for cancer. Contacting a palliative care team after a diagnosis of advanced cancer can help you work out when is best to start palliative treatment and how to manage symptoms.

Who provides care

Your palliative care team is made up of people with different skills to help you with a range of
issues. Your care may be led by a GP, nurse practitioner or community nurse, or by a specialist palliative care team if your needs are complex. Some people may only see their GP.

Support services

The palliative care team will help you work out how to live in the most fulfilling way you can – this might mean enjoying time with family and friends, recording your memories or reflecting on your life. They can also refer you to organisations and services that can assist with financial, emotional and practical needs.

Family and carers

If you agree (consent), the palliative care team will involve your family and carers in decisions about care. They can also provide them with emotional support and referrals to counselling, grief support, respite, and financial assistance.

Symptom relief

Palliative treatment can help you manage symptoms related to the cancer or its treatment, such as pain, nausea, loss of appetite, breathlessness or fatigue.

Advance care planning

The palliative care team or a social worker can support you to think about, discuss and record  your values, goals and preferences for future care and treatment.

Independence

An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can assess you to improve your independence and suggest equipment or ways to help with daily activities and make it easier for your carers to look after you.

When most people hear about palliative care, they worry it means their treatment team has given up hope or they may die soon. This fear may stop people using palliative care services.

Palliative care aims to maintain quality of life for people living with a life-limiting illness. It’s about helping you to live as fully as you can and in a way that is meaningful to you, within the limits of your illness. You don’t have to stop your cancer treatment to have palliative care. And you don’t always have to be admitted to a hospital or palliative care unit permanently.

Some people live comfortably for months or years after a diagnosis of advanced cancer, and can be supported by palliative care as needed. They may have palliative care for a period of time and then stop when their condition is stable. For others, the cancer advances quickly, and their care is focused on end-of-life needs soon after their referral to a palliative care service. Whatever stage you’re at, your palliative care team will adjust your care to meet your preferences and changing needs.

There is no need to wait until you are close to the end of life – research shows having palliative care early improves quality of life. Depending on your needs, you may use palliative care from time to time, or you may use it regularly for a few weeks or months. Some people receive palliative care for several years. This is because improved cancer treatments can sometimes stop or slow the spread of advanced disease and relieve symptoms for a number of years. The cancer may then be considered a chronic (long-lasting) disease.

Ask your GP, medical specialist or other health professional about what services you may need and a referral. Or you can contact a palliative care service yourself or for someone else. You don’t usually need a referral but it can be helpful. Organising care sooner rather than later will reduce stress on you and your family. You can find out what help is available to you now, and what you may want or need in the future. This will give you time to better understand and manage any physical symptoms (such as pain or nausea), and to consider your emotional, cultural, social and spiritual needs.

If you have palliative care, you can still have active treatment to shrink the cancer or slow its growth. The palliative care team will work with your cancer specialists to manage side effects from treatment and maintain your quality of life. Cancer treatments such as surgery, drug therapies and radiation therapy may also be used as part of palliative treatment. In this case, the aim is not to cure the cancer, but to control it or relieve symptoms. You may also want to consider joining a clinical trial.

Palliative care treats death and dying as a normal part of life. The treatment and care provided do not aim to make you live longer, they try to make what time you have as best as it can be.

The palliative care team provides services to improve your quality of life throughout the stages of advanced cancer. This may include managing pain and other symptoms. Some studies show that if symptoms such as pain are controlled, people will feel better and may live longer or be able to tolerate cancer treatment for longer.

In most cases, a GP or community nurse will coordinate your palliative care. If your care becomes complex, they will usually take advice from a specialist palliative care service, but you may not see the palliative care specialist yourself.

If you have more complex health needs, such as symptoms that are hard to control, you may see a palliative care specialist or nurse practitioner. Usually this will be as an outpatient, but some specialist palliative care services can also visit you at home.

You may need to stay in hospital or a palliative care unit (hospice) for short periods to have medicines adjusted or to get any pain under control. The specialist palliative care service will continue to consult your cancer care team about your treatment. If your condition stabilises or improves, you may not need to see the specialist palliative care service for a period of time, or you may be able to stop having palliative care.

Some people may live alone or have little or no support from family or friends. They may be living a long distance from anyone who would usually offer practical and emotional support.

Community palliative care services can help you to stay at home for as long as possible. But at some point, you may need 24-hour care. Depending on your circumstances and care needs this may be available in a palliative care unit (hospice), hospital or residential aged care facility.

If you live alone, you could ask for support from:

• your GP or community nurse
• the palliative care team or volunteer palliative care organisations
• Palliative Care Australia (for services available near you)
• My Aged Care
• the local community health service
• culturally-based community services
• your local council
• a church or other religious group
• practical support services
• Cancer Council 13 11 20 or cancer support groups.

It’s common to worry about being a burden on friends, family or community organisations. But they may want to help, so talk to them about your needs and ways they can help that work for you both.

You can have palliative care in different places, including:

• your own home or a family member’s home
• at a residential aged care facility or other out-of-home facility
• in a hospital
• at a specialist palliative care unit (sometimes called a hospice)
• at an outpatient clinic or via telehealth.

An important role for your GP or the palliative care team is to work out the best place for your care. They will consider your care needs, your home environment, your support networks, and what organisations and individuals are available in your area to help you, and then discuss the possibilities with you, your family and carers.

You may be able to choose where you want to receive palliative care, or you may be able to alter arrangements as your needs change. Your choices may depend on what services are available in your area. If you accept palliative care at an inpatient facility, you can still decide to go back home if circumstances allow.

Many people want to receive care at home because it is a familiar environment close to family and friends. If you are cared for at home, you (and anyone who cares for you) may be able to receive community-based palliative care services. This can include a range of services on an occasional or regular basis.

Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to stay at home, even with home help. Hospitals and palliative care units are designed for short-term stays, to address worsening symptoms, to plan care at home or for people nearing end of life.

If you cannot return home and need care for several months or more, the palliative care team will talk to you and your carers about where you can receive ongoing care, such as a residential aged care facility.

The federal, state and territory governments fund a range of palliative care services that are free in the public health system – whether you receive care at home, in a residential aged care facility, in a palliative care unit or hospice, or in hospital (inpatient care). Sometimes you may need to pay part of the cost of care. Examples of extra costs may include:

• hiring specialised equipment to use at home
• paying for medicines or wound dressings
• paying for your own nursing staff if you choose to stay at home and need 24-hour assistance
• paying an excess if you have private health insurance that covers palliative care and you go to a private hospital
• using short-term care (respite services) that charge a fee
• fees for private allied health professionals, such as a psychologist or physiotherapist (you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate for up to 5 visits per calendar year as part of a chronic disease management plan or 10 visits for a Mental Health Care Plan)
• paying for complementary therapies, such as massage therapy and acupuncture.

Ask what costs may be involved, and what amount may be covered, when making appointments. Cancer Council may be able to connect you to an appropriate financial professional. Call 13 11 20.

Depending on your condition, you may need a little help with a few things or more help with lots of daily tasks. The amount of help you need is likely to change over time.

Your GP or palliative care team will discuss practical ways to maintain your sense of independence for as long as possible. An occupational therapist (your GP or community service can give you a referral) may suggest changes or services to help you stay at home, such as installing handrails or a ramp. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist may also suggest or loan you equipment to help conserve your energy, such as a walking frame.

For many people, maintaining control over day-to-day decisions is important. If you feel you are losing your independence, your GP or palliative care team can talk with you about how to keep doing what’s important to you as your mobility and health change.

Your doctor or nurse may suggest you take part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials test new or modified treatments to see if they are better than current methods. For example, if you join a randomised trial for a new treatment, you will be chosen at random to receive either the best
existing treatment or the modified new treatment. Over the years, trials have improved palliative care and the management of common symptoms of advanced cancer. You may find it helpful to talk to your specialist, clinical trials nurse or GP, or to get a second opinion. If you decide to take part in a clinical trial, you can withdraw at any time. For more information, visit Australian Clinical Trials.

When you are referred to palliative care or while you are having palliative care, you will probably experience a range of emotions. Many people feel shocked, fearful, sad, anxious, guilty or angry. Some people feel relief or a sense of inner peace.

It is quite common for people diagnosed with advanced cancer to have continued feelings of depression. Signs of depression include trouble thinking clearly, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or changes to sleep patterns and appetite. If you think you may be depressed, it is important to talk to your doctor, because counselling or medicines – even for a short time – can help.

For information about coping with depression and anxiety, visit Beyond Blue or call them on 1300 22 4636. For 24-hour crisis support, visit or call them on .

You may find that while some friends and family members are supportive, others may avoid you or not know what to say. This can be difficult, and you could feel isolated or upset. Advanced cancer can mean changes to your lifestyle – at some point, you may need to leave work, or perhaps stop driving or other activities that are important to you. These changes can cause further sadness or stress.

It will often help to talk to someone. Your partner, family and close friends may be able to offer support, or you might like to talk to:

• members of your palliative care or treatment team
• a counsellor, social worker or psychologist
• your religious leader or spiritual adviser
• a telephone support group or peer support program
• Cancer Council 13 11 20.

Whether you have pain will depend on where the cancer is and its size. Pain is different for everyone, and even people with the same type of cancer can have different levels of pain. Some people may not have difficulties with pain. Palliative care services are specifically trained in  pain management. If you do have pain, they will help you control the distress it is causing as much as possible.

Many people need a combination of treatments to achieve good pain control. Ways to relieve pain include:

• pain medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and paracetamol for mild pain, and opioids (such as morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, methadone and fentanyl) for strong pain
• other types of medicine for nerve pain, such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants and local anaesthetics
• anti-anxiety drugs for muscle spasms
• procedures such as implanted devices, nerve blocks and epidurals for pain that is difficult to manage
• other treatments, such as physiotherapy, complementary therapies (such as massage and acupuncture) and psychological interventions (including relaxation, mindfulness, distraction techniques)
• surgery, drug therapies and radiation therapy.

It’s important to treat pain early before it becomes severe. It’s easier to control a lower level of pain and stop it getting worse, than it is to treat very bad pain. Being in pain makes you tired and reduces your energy.

Some people worry about becoming addicted to pain medicine but this is unlikely when  medicines are taken palliatively. Your health care team will monitor you to avoid potential side effects. Any side effects, such as constipation or drowsiness, can usually be managed. The aim is to give enough medicine to be able to do your usual activities without causing side effects. Taking high-strength opioids (such as morphine) as prescribed should not shorten your life – people may even live longer with better quality of life when their pain is treated effectively.

Pain medicines can be long acting and short acting. Short-acting medicine is used for  breakthrough pain or as a top-up if you’re on a long-acting medicine but still need more pain relief. Keep a diary of your “breakthrough” medicine. This can help your doctor to adjust your dose as needed.

Talk to a specialist palliative care service if the dose you have been prescribed does not relieve your pain. Ask your specialist palliative care team or your GP to regularly review your pain management plan, especially if you have uncontrolled pain or you have side effects from the pain medicine.

Ways to manage your medicines

• Ask your palliative care team for a list of your medicines and what each one is for.
• Ask your pharmacist to put your tablets and capsules into a medicine organiser (e.g. Webster-pak), which sets out all the doses you need to take throughout the week. This will help you take the correct dose of each drug at the right time.
• Keep a medicines list to record what you need to take, when to take it and how much to take.
• Download the MedicineWise app from the App Store or Google Play to keep track of medicines, or create your own list on paper or on a computer. You will also find helpful information about medicines at NPS MedicineWise.

Download our booklet ‘Understanding Cancer Pain’

Many people with advanced cancer do not feel like eating or drinking. This may be because of the cancer or a side effect of treatment. Loss of appetite may also be caused by anxiety, fatigue or depression. However, having food and drink helps maintain your strength and bowel movements, which improves your quality of life.

Loss of appetite – You don’t need to force yourself to eat. This may make you feel  uncomfortable, and cause vomiting and stomach pain. Try having small meals, eating your favourite foods more frequently, and relaxing your usual dietary restrictions. It is common to feel less hungry as the disease progresses – talk to your palliative care team or dietitian if you are concerned. They may suggest you drink nutritional supplements.

Sometimes towards the end of life, eating is less important. If you are moving less often, your need for fuel will be less too. It might be important to save your appetite for your favourite foods or just sit with family and friends during mealtimes.

Nausea – You may feel sick (nausea), have reflux or have trouble keeping food down, either because of the cancer or as a side effect of a medicine you’re taking. You will probably be given anti-nausea medicine that you can take regularly to relieve symptoms. Finding the right one can take time – if you still have nausea or vomiting after using the prescribed medicine, let your palliative care team know so they can see what may be causing the nausea, adjust the dose or try another medicine. Constipation can also cause nausea and reduced appetite.

Having an empty stomach can make your nausea worse – try to eat something soon after getting up in the morning and then eat small meals and snacks regularly throughout the day. Avoid fried, greasy, spicy and strong-smelling foods. Try to drink water or other fluids, and consider eating foods with ginger or sipping ginger tea.

Difficulty swallowing – If chewing and swallowing become difficult, you may need to change the consistency of your food by chopping, mincing or puréeing. A speech pathologist can check how well you’re swallowing and advise the best food texture.

Download our booklet ‘Nutrition for People Living with Cancer’

Many people have difficulty passing bowel motions (constipation), often as a side effect of opioids, cancer treatments or other medicines, or because of changes to what they’re eating or how much they’re moving.

The usual suggestions for managing constipation, such as drinking lots of water, eating a high-fibre diet and exercising, may not be possible if you feel unwell. Your treatment team will discuss other ways of managing constipation, such as laxatives and stool softeners.

Fatigue is when you feel very tired, weak, drained and worn out. Cancer-related fatigue is different from tiredness because it is more severe, not the result of recent physical or mental activity, and usually doesn’t get better with rest or sleep. Fatigue can be caused by the cancer itself, cancer treatment, depression or anxiety, poor sleep, an infection, anaemia, weight loss or medicines.

Your palliative care team may be able to adjust your medicines or treat the cause of the  fatigue. A physiotherapist, exercise physiologist or occupational therapist can also help with ways to conserve your energy It is important to allow time in the day to rest and save your energy for fun or important things. You may find that the fatigue gets worse as the disease progresses – complementary therapies such as meditation and relaxation can reduce distress and help you and your family cope.

Download our fact sheet ‘Fatigue and Cancer’

Breathlessness (dyspnoea) may be caused by the cancer itself, an infection, a side effect of treatment, anxiety or an underlying disorder such as asthma or emphysema. Depending on the cause, breathlessness may be managed by taking medicine (such as low-dose morphine),
draining fluid from around the lungs, or having oxygen therapy (if your oxygen levels are low). Other ways to improve breathlessness are to:

• sit near an open window
• use a handheld fan to direct a cool stream of air across your face
• sleep in a more upright position
• listen to a relaxation recording – look for our Finding Calm During Cancer podcast in Apple Podcasts or any other podcast app
• see a psychologist to help you manage any anxiety, if the breathlessness leads to panic
• plan out daily activities and take rest breaks – an occupational therapist can help you plan how to conserve your energy.

People often use the terms “complementary” and “alternative” as though they mean the same thing, but it is important to understand how they are different.

Complementary therapies are widely used alongside conventional medical treatments, usually to help manage side effects of cancer or its treatment. Therapies such as meditation, massage and acupuncture may increase your sense of control, decrease stress and anxiety, and improve your mood.

Alternative therapies are used instead of conventional medical treatments. Many alternative therapies have not been scientifically tested, so there is no evidence that they stop cancer growing or spreading. Others have been tested and shown to be harmful to people with cancer or not to work. Cancer Council does not recommend the use of alternative therapies as a cancer treatment.

Let your doctors know about any therapies you are using or thinking about trying, as some may not be safe or evidence-based, or may not work well with your current treatment.

Download our booklet ‘Understanding Complementary Therapies’

People with advanced cancer usually experience major physical and psychological changes. While this can have an effect on how you feel sexually, it doesn’t mean that sex or intimacy needs to end.

For many people, intimacy can provide comfort and maintain connection. Even if sexual
intercourse is no longer possible or what you want, you may enjoy physical closeness through
cuddling, stroking or massage.

If you feel that you can, talk with your partner/s about your feelings and concerns about the sexual changes in your relationship, and discuss ways that you can maintain intimacy.

If you have concerns or need advice about sexual intimacy, talk to your GP, nurse, social worker,
counsellor or psychologist.

Download our booklet ‘Sexuality, Intimacy and Cancer’

When diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, some people start to think about what is  important to them. Palliative care teams are experienced with helping patients and their families talk about their goals and preferences for care, and the amount of treatment they want for the cancer. This can involve difficult discussions about balancing the quality and length of life. This process is called advance care planning.

Advance care planning can help your family, friends and treatment team understand your goals, values and beliefs. This helps to make sure that your wishes are respected if you lose the capacity to make decisions for yourself or if you are unable to communicate your wishes for any reason. Advance care planning can involve:

• talking and making decisions about what is important to you for quality of life
• discussing what treatments you may or may not want, including where you want to receive  care (e.g. at home if possible)
• completing advance care documents
• appointing a substitute decision-maker.

Advance care planning can be started any time, whether you are healthy or ill. While it may be difficult to think about, some people find knowing they have made plans for the future – whatever it may be – can be a relief.

As well as giving you peace of mind, studies show that  families of people who have done advance care planning feel less anxiety and stress when asked to make important health decisions for them.

Think about what matters to you most. You may want to find a balance between what medical care can achieve and the side effects of treatments. How you feel may change as your circumstances change. And it’s okay to add to or make changes to your advance care plans. You and your family may find it useful to start thinking about these issues before they are raised by a health professional. 

Making an advance care directive

You can write down your goals and instructions for your future medical care in a legal document known as an advance care directive. Depending on where you live, the advance care directive may have a different name such as an advance health directive or advanced care plan. This is a legal document which provides a record of your values and treatment preferences. Doctors, family, carers and substitute decision-makers must consider this record if you become unable to communicate or make decisions. You may need the help of your doctor or lawyer to complete the advance care directive forms and make sure it is signed, dated and witnessed. Some hospitals use their own forms. You can update or cancel your advance care directive at any time. Ask your doctor or hospital to place your directive on your  medical record. You can also save it online to My Health Record.

Why you need to talk about advance care planning

Advance care planning doesn’t mean you have given up or will die soon. Your needs might  change over time and it is a good idea to think about and regularly review your plan when you are well enough. Palliative Care Australia has developed a discussion starter that can help
you reflect on your preferences for care and talk about them with your family, carers and close friends. Visit Palliative Care Australia to download a free booklet.

"There is still a life to be lived and pleasures to be found and disappointments to be had. Living with advanced cancer is a different life, not just a journey towards death.” JULIE

The ability to make a legally binding decision is called capacity. In general, capacity means you can understand and remember information about the available choices, understand the consequences of your decisions, and communicate your decisions. A substitute decision-maker is someone you legally appoint to make medical decisions for you if you lose capacity in the future. It should be someone you trust, who understands your values and preferences for future care, and is able to make decisions you would want.

Depending on where you live, the documents for appointing this person may be called an enduring power of guardianship, appointment of enduring guardian or medical treatment decision-maker, or it may be nominated in an advance care directive. An enduring power of attorney is usually for financial/legal matters. If you lose capacity and don’t have an advance care directive or substitute decision-maker, the law in each state and territory outlines who may make medical treatment decisions for you. This is usually someone close to you, such as your spouse, partner, family member or close friend. For more information visit End of Life Law in Australia.

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is when a person with an incurable, life-limiting condition or illness chooses to end their life with the assistance of a doctor or health practitioner – using specially prescribed medicines from a doctor. “Voluntary” means that it is the choice of the unwell person to end their life.

VAD is not part of any palliative care services. However, if you are considering this option, know that palliative care remains available to you right up until the end of your life, no matter how you die. Many people accessing VAD will want palliative care as well, and that’s okay.

At the time of the last review of this information (December 2023), laws around VAD have
commenced in all Australian states. VAD remains unlawful in the Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory (as of December 2023).

VAD is only available to people who meet all the strict conditions and follow certain steps as required by the laws in their state or territory.

It is essential to check the latest updates and know the law and rules around making this choice. Laws and rules around VAD may be different in the state or territory where you live.

For information and updates on VAD for your state or territory, visit Queensland University of Technology’s End of Life Law in Australia website.

Carer Gateway – Practical information, support and useful resources for carers. Call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au.

Carer Help – Information for people caring for someone at the end of life.

Young carers – Support for young people under 25 caring for a family member or friend.

Cancer Council 13 11 20 – Referrals to counselling services and peer support programs.

Australian Psychological Society – look for a practitioner in your area.

Better Access initiative – Information about Medicare rebates for mental health services. Talk to your GP for more details and to organise a referral.

Beyond Blue – 24-hour telephone counselling service; online and email counselling 7 days a week. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au.

Carer Gateway Counselling Service – Free counselling service for carers. Available each day 8am – 6pm. They can also connect you with other carers in your area or an online carer forum. Call 1800 422 737 or visit counselling.carergateway.gov.au.

Kids Helpline – Telephone and online counselling and crisis support for people aged 5–25. Call  1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au.

Lifeline – 24-hour telephone crisis support and suicide prevention service, Call 13 11 14  or visit lifeline.org.au.

Suicide Call Back Service – 24-hour telephone and online counselling for people affected by suicide. Call 1300 659 467 or visit  suicidecallbackservice.org.au.

Cancer Council – Referral service for financial or legal advice; may be free for eligible clients.  Call Cancer Council 13 11 20.

Centrelink – Offers financial support for people with a long-term illness and for carers. Call 132 717 or visit servicesaustralia.gov.au.

NDIS – Funding and support for people under 65 with a permanent and significant disability. Call 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au.

National Debt Helpline – Help with debt problems and finding a financial counsellor. Call
1800 007 007 or visit ndh.org.au.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) – Assistance with the cost of prescription medicines.

You can also talk to the social worker on the palliative care team who may be able to help you find legal or financial support.

Advance Care Planning Australia – Information about planning for your future health care, including advance care directives. Call 1300 208 582 or visit advancecareplanning.org.au.

Discusstion starters – Palliative Care Australia website encouraging Australians to talk about dying; includes discussion starters.

The Groundswell Project – Community organisation promoting resilience/wellbeing at all phases of life.

Talk to your GP, palliative care team, local council or health fund about home nursing or home help. Some local councils provide services in the home or in the community. Private services are also available.

My Aged Care – Information about different types of aged care services and eligibility. Call 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au.

Cancer Council 13 11 20 – Information and links to legal services.

End of Life Law in Australia – Legal information about advance care directives, palliative care and VAD.

Public Trustee South Australia – Help you prepare a will and manage your finances.

CareSearch – Information about death and dying and links to services and resources.

Palliative Care Australia – Information and resources; can link you to your local palliative care office. Also has a directory of services.

Carer Gateway –  Links to respite care at home, in a respite care centre or, in some cases, in a hospital or palliative care unit. Call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au.

Cancer Council Online Community – An online discussion forum where people can connect with each other any time, ask or answer questions, or write a blog about their experiences.

Telephone support groups – Includes groups for people with advanced cancer, for carers and for the bereaved. Call Cancer Council 13 11 20.

Cancer Council podcasts – Information and insights with a separate series about advanced cancer.

Camp Quality – Support for children aged up to 15 and their families, at each stage of cancer, including palliative care and bereavement. Call 1300 662 267 or visit campquality.org.au.

Canteen – For people aged 12–25 affected by cancer or bereavement. Has an app, interactive online forum, counselling services and palliative care resources. Call 1800 835 932 or visit canteen.org.au.

Redkite – Emotional guidance (including bereavement support), financial assistance and educational services to young people and their families. Call 1800 733 548 or visit redkite.org.au.

Youth Cancer Services – Hospital-based cancer treatment and support services for people aged 15–25.