Palliative care in aged care | Arcare Residential Aged Care

Balancing practicalities with emotional support

Coming to terms with a life-limiting disease is a sensitive time for everyone, and contemplating palliative care in aged care is confronting. You want a care team that empathises with you and your loved ones and can support you physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. We understand that palliative care is more than practicalities, it’s about meeting your needs on all levels as your illness progresses.

What is palliative care?

According to Palliative Care Australia, “Palliative care is person and family-centred care provided for a person with an active, progressive, advanced disease, who has little or no prospect of cure and who is expected to die, and for whom the primary treatment goal is to optimise the quality of life.”

Palliative care is about helping you live as fulfilling and comfortably as possible, despite your diagnosis. The palliative care you receive will vary depending on your circumstances. It may include:

Pain relief
Specialist equipment
Developing a care plan and discussing future medical needs
Support to help you meet your emotional, social and spiritual concerns
Grief support for family and friends

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The palliative approach in aged care

The modern approach to palliative care in aged care acknowledges the inevitably of death. Rather than providing healthcare based on a diagnosis, a palliative approach in aged care focuses on quality of life and reducing distress with needs-based care.

Arcare’s clinical team are trained to provide 24/7 palliative care. Our commitment includes keeping you informed, respecting your decisions, listening to and anticipating your needs.

This is underpinned by our internationally recognised Relationship-First Approach. Our goal is to meet the physical, spiritual, social, psychological and cultural needs of you and those closest to you.

Learn more about life at Arcare

Frequently asked questions

How do I access palliative care in aged care?

To access palliative care, your GP or health care professional will refer you for palliative care. We recommend meeting with your clinical team to share your preferences and discuss a range of possibilities.

Our team members always provide honest and open communication for you to make fully informed decisions. We will be guided by you.

What is end-of-life care?

End of life care is the treatment and support people receive when they’re nearing the last few weeks of life. It may involve pain relief, making sure you’ve organised practical matters like will or wishes, emotional support and providing grief support to family and friends.

It also involves Advanced Care Planning, where we discuss your preferences about any future medical treatments. We are passionate about creating a secure, private, and dignified environment where medical help is on standby for you when you need it.

What is your visitor policy in residential aged care?

Arcare is home to our residents and therefore we don’t have visiting hours. We encourage family and friends to visit whenever they can and to enjoy a meal with their loved one if they’re able.

However, if the site has an outbreak (eg. COVID) visiting hours are changed as required. Please contact your Arcare residence reception.