What is palliative care?
Palliative Care is specialised health care for people who are terminally ill or whose illness is not curable.
It aims to maximise quality of life and minimise pain and other symptoms. It is a holistic approach which considers the needs of the ‘whole’ person, including physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. It includes the support of carers and families. Palliative Care may be provided by your GP. Our volunteers can provide support at home, in local hospitals or (for limited periods) in aged care facilities. Who are the volunteers?Our volunteers are special people who are carefully selected and trained.
Volunteers undergo extensive training through NSW Health, in this specialist field. Their personal qualities include knowledge and understanding of palliative care issues, sensitivity, empathy and the willingness to be there for people with life-limiting illnesses and their family, carers and friends. They give their time freely to provide a caring and non-judgmental presence, while at the same time being bound by professional ethics and confidentiality. They can offer both practical and emotional support. Our volunteers are of all ages and come from a variety of backgrounds. What will happen ...
The coordinator of the service will contact you initially to discuss the service and your needs, and arrange to meet you in your own home. Following this initial visit, you will be introduced to one or more volunteers who have been matched to your needs. The service will begin as soon as you require.
The coordinator will contact you after two weeks to ensure you are satisfied with the service and then will monitor as needed. If you have any concerns, complaints or comments please contact the coordinator or the Executive Officer at Neighbourhood Central. Our volunteers can help by:
· offering companionship
· providing respite and support for carers · running errands such as paying bills or exchanging library books · reading or writing letters · assisting with recreation and hobbies · providing help with minor practical tasks in the home · short outings · providing information and resources · providing bereavement support. |
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