Supporting quality of life for people living with a life-limiting illness

Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of people living with a life-limiting illness, as well as their families and carers. It focuses on managing symptoms, providing emotional and practical support, and helping people live as well as possible.

Palliative care is person-centred and supports individuals to receive care that reflects their values, goals and preferences.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care provides support for people living with a life-limiting illness by helping to manage physical symptoms while also addressing emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs.

Care is tailored to each person’s individual goals and may involve a range of healthcare professionals including GPs, nurses, allied health professionals, specialists and community support services.

Palliative care also provides support to families and carers throughout a person’s illness and into bereavement.

Who can receive palliative care?

Palliative care is available for people of all ages living with serious or life-limiting illnesses.

How do I access palliative care?

If you think you or someone you care for could benefit from palliative care, the first step is to speak with your GP or healthcare team.

Step 1

Talk to your GP about your symptoms, goals and care needs.

Step 2

Your GP can help coordinate your care and refer you to specialist palliative care services if additional support is required.

Step 3

Together with your healthcare team, you can develop a care plan that reflects what matters most to you.

Specialist Palliative Care

The Gold Coast Health Specialist Palliative Care Service provides expert care and support for people living with a life-limiting illness who have complex physical, emotional or psychosocial needs.

The specialist multidisciplinary team works alongside your GP, treating specialists and community healthcare providers to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life and support people to achieve their care goals.

Specialist palliative care services may be provided in hospital, through community-based services or in a person’s home, depending on their individual needs and circumstances.

The team also provides support, education and guidance for families and carers, helping them navigate the challenges associated with serious illness and end-of-life care.

Access to the Specialist Palliative Care Service is generally through a referral from your GP, specialist or other healthcare professional.

For more information about the Gold Coast Health Specialist Palliative Care Service please visit:

Specialist Palliative Care | Gold Coast Health

When should I seek support?

You should speak with your GP or healthcare provider if you or someone you care for:

• Has symptoms that are becoming difficult to manage
• Is experiencing frequent hospital admissions
• Needs additional support at home
• Wants to discuss future healthcare wishes
• Requires emotional or practical support for themselves or their family

Accessing palliative care early can improve quality of life and provide additional support for both patients and carers.

Advance Care Planning

Advance Care Planning is the process of thinking about and communicating your values, preferences and wishes for future healthcare.

Planning ahead helps ensure your healthcare preferences are known and respected if you become unable to make or communicate decisions.

The Gold Coast Primary Health Network encourages everyone to have conversations about future healthcare wishes with their loved ones and healthcare providers.

Find out more about Advance Care Planning and access free resources here:

Advance Care Planning – Gold Coast Primary Health Network

Compassionate Communities

Compassionate Communities recognise that supporting people through serious illness, dying, death and grief is everyone’s responsibility.

Whether you are a community member, volunteer, healthcare professional or represent a local organisation, you can play a role in building stronger community connections and supporting others through life’s most challenging times.

Learn more about Compassionate Communities here:

Compassionate Communities Australia | Home

Stay connected with Compassionate Communities Gold Coast. Register your interest to receive updates on upcoming activities, events and opportunities to get involved here:

Compassionate Communities Gold Coast – Stay Connected – Fill out form