CareSearch
Evidence-based palliative care information for patients, families and health professionals.
Palliative care, also known as best supportive care, is compassionate, person-centred healthcare that focuses on improving the quality of life of people living with a serious or life-limiting illness. It aims to relieve suffering, support patients and their families, and help people live as well as possible, for as long as possible.
Contrary to common misconceptions, palliative care is not about giving up hope. Instead, it is about providing comfort, dignity, and support alongside treatments aimed at managing or treating the illness. It helps people make informed choices, maintain independence where possible, and continue to do the things that matter most to them.
Palliative care is appropriate from the time of diagnosis of a serious illness - not only in the final days or weeks of life. It can be provided alongside life-prolonging treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, dialysis, surgery, or radiation therapy. It is a journey of support and compassion, and not a full stop.
Early access to palliative care has been shown to improve symptom control, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions, enhance emotional wellbeing, and improve the overall quality of life for both patients and their families.
Palliative care recognises that serious illness affects every aspect of a person's life. Care is tailored to each individual's needs and may include:
Palliative care is not only for the person with the illness. Families and carers are an essential part of the care journey.
The palliative care team provides education, guidance, emotional support, respite, and assistance with decision-making. Bereavement support may also be available to help families after the loss of a loved one.
Palliative care is delivered by a multidisciplinary team that may include:
Together, they work with the patient, family, and other healthcare providers to ensure care is coordinated and centred around the person's wishes and goals.
"Palliative care adds life to days when days cannot always be added to life."
At Paalam - The Bridge to Humanity, we believe that every person deserves compassionate, respectful, and dignified care, regardless of their age, diagnosis, culture, or where they live.
We are committed to building bridges that improve access to quality palliative care through education, community engagement, advocacy, and partnerships - both in Australia and internationally.
Our goal is to ensure that no one faces serious illness alone, and that every person can live with comfort, dignity, hope, and compassion.
Trusted organisations offering information, planning tools and support for palliative care, in Australia and internationally.
Evidence-based palliative care information for patients, families and health professionals.
Free guidance and resources for planning and documenting future health care wishes.
The national peak body for palliative care, with a directory of local services.
PBH's partner organisation, working to expand access to palliative care across India.
These are independent organisations, not run by PBH. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000 (Australia) or your local emergency number.