Palliative Care in Australia: What Families Should Know

Palliative care is one of those conversations Australian families often put off until it's too late. Yet understanding what it involves, how to access it, and what to expect can make an enormous difference in the quality of life for someone with a serious illness—and for their loved ones. Whether you're facing this decision for a parent, partner, or another family member, knowing your options and rights in Australia is essential.

Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on relieving suffering and improving quality of life for people living with serious, life-limiting illnesses. It's not about giving up or ending treatment; rather, it's about shifting the focus from cure to comfort and dignity. In Australia, palliative care can be provided at home, in hospitals, in residential aged care facilities, or in specialist palliative care units.

The approach is holistic, addressing physical pain, emotional distress, spiritual concerns, and practical needs. A palliative care team typically includes doctors, nurses, counsellors, social workers, and allied health professionals who work together to support both the person and their family.

The Growing Need for Palliative Care in Australia

Australia's ageing population means demand for palliative care services is increasing significantly. Projections show that the number of people aged 80 and over in Central Eastern Sydney alone is expected to increase by 34% between now and 2040, with those aged 60–79 increasing by 34% as well. This demographic shift means more Australians will need palliative care support in the coming years.

Currently, palliative care-related hospitalisations are substantial across the country. In 2023–24, Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network recorded 6,978 palliative care-related hospitalisations, with people aged 75 and older accounting for the highest rates. In South Australia, modelling suggests that between 12,000–13,000 people could benefit from palliative care by 2027—an increase of 18–28% compared to 2020 levels.

What's particularly important to note is that many Australians are only receiving palliative care in their final days of life, rather than earlier when it could provide greater benefit.

Where to Access Palliative Care in Australia

Through Your GP and Medicare

Your general practitioner is often the first point of contact for palliative care discussions. GPs can refer you to specialist palliative care services and help coordinate care. Medicare covers palliative care consultations with your doctor, and you may be eligible for bulk-billed services depending on your circumstances.

Hospital-Based Services

Public hospitals across Australia provide palliative care services. If you're admitted to hospital with a life-limiting condition, hospital staff can discuss palliative care options with you. Some hospitals have dedicated palliative care units with specialist teams.

Community and Home-Based Services

Many Australians prefer to receive palliative care at home, supported by community nursing teams and home support services. Your local Primary Health Network (PHN) can help connect you with available services in your area. Services vary by state and region, so it's worth asking your GP what's available locally.

Residential Aged Care

If you're in aged care, palliative care can be provided within the facility. However, workforce capacity remains a challenge in this setting, so the quality and availability of services can vary.

Specialist Palliative Care Organisations

Palliative Care Australia and state-based organisations like Palliative Care NSW offer information, support, and can help direct you to services. Many also provide counselling and support for families.

Advance Care Planning: Planning Ahead Matters

One of the most important things you can do is engage in advance care planning (ACP)—discussing your values, wishes, and preferences for future health care before a crisis occurs. This conversation ensures your voice is heard and respected, even if you can't communicate later.

However, a landmark 2025 national study reveals a concerning gap: only one in three Australians (33%) have taken steps to plan for their future health care. This means the majority of Australians haven't had these crucial conversations or documented their wishes.

The research found that of those who did discuss their future health care, only 12% did so with a health care professional. This is significant because health professionals are seen as trusted sources of information about advance care planning, and they need ready access to your documents to act on your wishes when needed.

How to Start Advance Care Planning

• Talk with your loved ones about your values and what matters most to you at the end of life
• Discuss your wishes with your GP or a health professional
• Consider appointing a substitute decision-maker—someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you can't
• Document your preferences in an Advance Care Directive (ACD)
• Store your ACD in multiple locations, including with your doctor
• Review your document periodically as your circumstances change

Each state and territory in Australia has different legislation around advance care planning, so check your local government or health department website for specific requirements and forms.

What to Expect from Palliative Care

Pain and Symptom Management

Managing pain and distressing symptoms is a priority. Palliative care teams are skilled at using medications and other techniques to keep someone comfortable. This might include pain relief, managing nausea, addressing breathing difficulties, or helping with fatigue.

Emotional and Spiritual Support

Serious illness affects the whole person. Palliative care includes counselling, chaplaincy services, and support for existential and spiritual concerns. This extends to family members, who often need support too.

Practical Support

Teams can help with practical matters like coordinating care, accessing support services, managing medications, and planning for what comes next. Social workers can assist with financial concerns, aged care placement, or other practical issues.

Family Involvement

Your family is part of the care team. Palliative care professionals will keep you informed, involve you in decisions, and provide guidance on how to support your loved one.

Key Challenges in Australian Palliative Care

While palliative care services exist across Australia, access and quality vary significantly by region. In some areas, services are stretched, and workforce shortages mean wait times can be long. Rural and remote Australians may have limited access to specialist services.

Additionally, the timing of palliative care initiation remains a challenge. Many people don't access these services until very late in their illness, missing opportunities for earlier support that could improve quality of life.

Taking the Next Step

If you or a family member is facing a serious illness, don't wait to explore palliative care options. Start by having a conversation with your GP about what's available locally and what might be right for your situation. If you haven't already, begin advance care planning—it's one of the most valuable gifts you can give your family.

Remember, palliative care is about living well with serious illness, not just dying. It's about comfort, dignity, and ensuring your values guide your care. In Australia, we have the expertise and services to support this; we just need to use them sooner rather than later.

For more information and resources, visit Palliative Care Australia, contact your local Primary Health Network, or speak with your GP today.