Overview
Conversations about palliative care and end-of-life care can be difficult and sometimes confronting. Preparing for this time can ensure you are supported, and your preferences and thoughts are expressed. Supportive care offered by palliative care and end-of-life care plays a vital role in assisting people and their families to effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life at this time.
At NECA, we believe speaking with your treating team is an important place to begin this conversation. Your clinical team will be able to refer and provide you with additional information about relevant services within your local area.
The following includes some of the services and resources available:
Resources
Advanced care planning
Advanced care planning ensures family and health care practitioners are aware of your preferences for health care.
https://www.advancecareplanning.org.au/
NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia (NECA) Resources
Let’s talk about Grief and Loss – Crystal Lockard, Counsellor in Psycho-Oncology https://youtu.be/YBSFxTOu_Tw
Advanced Care Planning – Helena Rodi, Advanced Care Planning Australia
Cancer Council Australia Resources
https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/treatment/palliative-care
Palliative Care
Palliative care services vary in different areas, states, and territories of Australia. If you require palliative care, your treating doctor or local GP will be able to refer you to your local service.
Palliative Care Australia is the national peak body for palliative care
https://palliativecare.org.au/im-a-patient/
Pal Assist – Queensland
Is a free service for anyone in Queensland who has a life-limiting illness or condition, and/or their families and carers. https://www.palassist.org.au/
Personal Affairs
Money Smart – Australian Government site has resources available to assist with management of personal affairs https://moneysmart.gov.au/wills-and-powers-of-attorney
Gathered here has partnered with Neuroendocrine Cancer Australia to provide a free will service
https://wills.gatheredhere.com.au/c/neuroendocrinecancer-australia
Children resources
Canteen
Canteen supports children between the ages of 12–25 – who are dealing with their own diagnosis, a close family member with cancer or death of a loved one. Canteen services also extend to parents of children. https://www.canteen.org.au/
The NET Nurse Telephone Support Line is also available to provide support for you and your family and assist you in finding additional supportive care resources in your community.
NET Nurse 1300 287 363
