The Palliative Care Program supports people with a life-limiting illness to have the best possible quality of life.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care helps people with a life-limiting illness to have the best possible quality of life. It is available to everyone – of any age, race, culture, background or religion, and most services are free.
Depending on your needs, palliative care may include:
- Medicine and other therapies to relieve your pain and manage symptoms;
- Support for your family members;
- Help to meet your spiritual, religious or cultural needs;
- Regular visits from health workers and other care providers.
If you choose to have palliative care, you can discuss your individual needs, ask any questions and make requests so you have the best care possible.
When using palliative care, the person with the illness and their family, are always in control of decisions about their health, medical treatment and wellbeing.
Palliative care does not mean the end
Palliative care can be used at any time in your illness, not just for people who are near the end of life. Using palliative care does not mean there is no hope, you have ‘given up’ or your families don’t care. You can continue treatment at the same time as receiving palliative care.
You may be able to use complementary therapies or traditional medicine.
Who provides palliative care?
Palliative care can be provided by your own doctor, specialist doctors and nurses, physiotherapists, religious or spiritual advisors and others.
Our organization provides a range of services to support terminally-ill people and their carers as well as people from Polish community. The PCCV provides the following services:
- Individual help for people who are terminally ill to help them live their lives as long as possible in their homes. Services will be tailored to the individual needs of the client.
- Holistic support system for carers and families who are struggling with the disease and their own problems.
- Information sessions for Polish community groups conducted by bilingual educators about palliative care, advanced care planning, care for people living with dementia and information for carers and their families.
Our bilingual (Polish-English), professionally trained staff and volunteers provide linguistically and culturally appropriate services to address the needs and challenges faced by the Polish community in Victoria.
Where can I receive care?
Depending on your needs and other factors, you may receive care at home, a hospital or hospice, or other care facility. Care in a hospital or a hospice is usually for a short time, to treat your symptoms and pain so that you can return home if possible.
The PCCV specialises in providing client-oriented services in their own homes. Our Personal Care Workers are trained to provide personal care, home care, home maintenance and respite. On client request, we may provide volunteer visits in the care facilities or hospice.
Will I have to pay?
Most services are free but there may be some costs for equipment or medicines. If you have any questions about particular costs, do not hesitate to get in contact with us.
Who is eligible for the Palliative Care Program?
The Palliative Care Program run by the PCCV is available for people who are terminally ill who live in Victoria. We provide culturally appropriate services to Polish community.
How can I join the program?
To access the program, contact our office and chat with our coordinators who can help you to create specific care plan and schedule services. We encourage your family members and friends to contact us on your behalf.
Our coordinators:
Janina Dytman – Palliative Care Project Coordinator
Email: janina.dytman@pccv.org.au
Beata Kuc – Palliative Care Officer
Email: beata.kuc@pccv.org.au
Ph: (03) 9569 4020
More information about Palliative Care in your area:
Palliative Care national telephone number: 1800 660 055
Palliative Care Victoria
- 03 9662 9644 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday)
A telephone interpreter can be arranged on request.
email: info@pallcarevic.asn.au
website: www.pallcarevic.asn.au
Information in Polish: https://www.pallcarevic.asn.au/families-patients/community-languages/polish-polski/