Palliative Care
Palliative Care is for those who are living at home and in residential aged care facilities with a life threatening illness. It comprises an expert interdisciplinary team of volunteers, allied health staff, which include loss and grief counsellors, spiritual care, nurses, a palliative care physician and administrative staff. The service not only supports clients but their carers who are, quite often, family members. Established in 1981, Melbourne Citymission's Palliative Care was the first provider of its kind in Victoria and is a free service for residents of Hume, Moreland, Darebin and Yarra.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is the holistic care people in the end stages of a terminal illness where cure may no longer be possible. The goal of palliative care is to achieve the best possible quality of life for clients and their carers.
Our Philosophy
At Melbourne Citymission our team aims to recognise and respond to the physical, emotional, spiritual, social and cultural needs of clients and their carers.
We aim to promote the dignity and independence of clients and carers through:
- facilitating care which is directed by clients themselves
- supporting clients and their carers at home
- enabling clients with changing needs to make choices regarding where they are cared for at home, in hospital or in a palliative care unit.
Working together as a team - Clients and their Carers
Other services provide by the team
- Coordination of care
- Addressing pain and other symptoms
- Providing information and education
- Working together with Royal District Nursing Service and other community services
- Links with hospitals and palliative care units
- Consultancy services to other health professionals
- 24 hours emergency support
Referrals
Anyone may refer a client for assessment to Melbourne Citymission Palliative Care provided they have the permission from the client to do so. Referrals can be discussed with one of the team members on 9486 2666
Charges and Funding
The services offered by Melbourne Citymission Palliative Care are provided free of charge to clients in our catchment area.
Funding comes via the department of Human Services Victoria, which includes grants from the Commonwealth Government. However, funding for palliative care is limited and community support and input is essential to maintain a fully functioning palliative care service.
Community Service - How you can help
- Make a donation (donations over $2.00 are tax deductible)
- Make a bequest (a formal bequest can be used in any way that you feel appropriate)
- Make a tribute donation in lieu of flowers at funerals (we are able to provide in memoriam envelopes for services)
- Become a volunteer support worker: Many friends and family of former clients, having experienced the support of our service, want to assist us by offering their time and talents. Volunteers help the service in a number of ways.
- Offering emotional and practical support to clients
- Working as a member of our loss and grief support team
- Administration and office duties
- Community committee work
Volunteers are provided with extensive training and are offered ongoing support, becoming a valued member of the team. If you would like to discuss ways in which you can help, talk to us.
Contact Us
Melbourne Citymission Palliative Care
472 Nicholson Street, North Fitzroy, Vic 3068
Tel: 03 9486 2666
Fax: 03 9482 5094
