Palliative care is a vital aspect of healthcare, focusing on providing relief and support to individuals grappling with serious illnesses. Understanding the importance of appropriate equipment, this article serves as your comprehensive guide for sourcing the necessary equipment for palliative care patients in the region of Victoria. 

What is palliative care?

Palliative care provides relief from symptoms, comfort, and support for individuals facing serious illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, or chronic respiratory disease. Life-threatening means there is no cure for the disease; so a palliative approach replaces cure with care. 

While many people live with these serious illnesses for many years, there comes a time when extra support becomes necessary. Palliative care aims to relieve suffering by attentively managing painful or distressing symptoms and providing support to the patient's family.

If you are dealing with a life-limiting condition, palliative care is an option that can enhance your health and overall quality of life.

What do palliative care patients need?

Palliative care patients have diverse needs that extend beyond medical treatment. Some essential aspects of their care include:

• Pain and Symptom Management: Palliative care prioritizes relieving pain and managing symptoms associated with the illness, aiming to enhance the patient's comfort and overall well-being.
• Emotional and Psychological Support: Patients often face emotional and psychological challenges. Support in the form of counseling, therapy, or simply compassionate conversations can be crucial.
• Communication and Decision-Making: Effective communication about the patient's condition and involving them in decision-making processes is essential. This includes discussions about treatment options, end-of-life preferences, and care goals.
• Family and Caregiver Support: Palliative care recognizes the importance of supporting not only the patient but also their family and caregivers. This may involve providing information, counseling, and respite care.
• Spiritual and Existential Care: Addressing the spiritual and existential needs of patients is part of holistic palliative care. This may involve religious or spiritual support, as well as discussions about the patient's values and beliefs.
• Practical Assistance: Patients may need practical help with daily activities, such as personal care, mobility, and managing medications. Supportive services like home healthcare or hospice care may be necessary.

How do I get palliative care?

If you are seeking palliative care, consider reaching out to the following professionals and services:

• Talk to Your Doctor: Start by discussing your needs and concerns with your primary healthcare provider. They can assess your situation and determine if palliative care is suitable for you. If your doctor agrees that palliative care could benefit you, ask for a referral to a palliative care specialist or team. This could be a healthcare provider, nurse, or social worker with expertise in palliative care.
• Call Palliative Care Victoria for help with getting a referral: Contact Palliative Care Victoria by phone for assistance in accessing a referral to a palliative care specialist or team. They can guide you through the process and provide valuable information.
• Occupational Therapist: An occupational therapist can help assess your daily living needs, recommend assistive devices, and provide guidance on maintaining independence and quality of life.

If you are in a hospital or a nursing home, most nursing staff will be able to organise essential palliative care equipment for you. If you require further equipment, hiring equipment can be a good option, given the specific needs of palliative care patients. Call and speak with one of our team to discuss hiring equipment in the Gippsland area.

What equipment do you need for a palliative care patient?

The equipment needed for a palliative care patient depends on their specific condition and ailments. However, common equipment often includes:

• Hospital bed: Designed with their comfort and well-being in mind, hospital beds provide essential features that cater to the unique needs of individuals facing serious illnesses. With adjustable height, backrests, and side rails, hospital beds ensure optimal positioning for patients, facilitating ease of care for both medical professionals and caregivers. 
• Air mattress: By investing in mattresses that incorporate pressure redistribution, hospices, private homes, and other care facilities can ensure that patients don't experience painful pressure build-ups. The use of air mattresses reduces the need to turn or reposition the patient, increasing comfort for palliative patients who may find it painful to move.
• Shower commode or bedside commode: Patients might require a portable shower or bedside commode if moving to the bathroom involves too much effort. 
• Shower chair: As palliative care patients grow weaker or less mobile, bathing regularly can be difficult for both the patient and the caregiver. Shower chairs provide support during bathing, making it easier for the patients to do so.
• Over toilet frame: An over-toilet frame is designed to fit over a standard toilet, providing stability and assistance during bathroom use. This essential equipment contributes to maintaining independence and dignity for palliative care patients, making daily routines more manageable.

View our hire price list or contact us to discuss current pricing, availability, and delivery options.

How to find a palliative care provider in my area:

While a doctor referral is usually necessary, here's a place to start: Victoria's Palliative Care Program. The directory is designed to help you find and locate palliative care in your area, quickly and easily.

Who pays for palliative care?

Palliative care in Australia is covered by the health system, with Medicare handling the majority of associated expenses. Private health insurance may cover some private costs, and certain services, like seeing a GP or purchasing medication, may have an out-of-pocket cost. Charges may vary depending on your location and the type of care you receive.

How long can a patient stay in palliative care?

The duration of time a patient stays in palliative care can vary widely and is based on individual circumstances. Palliative care is not restricted by a specific time limit and can be provided for as long as the patient requires support for managing symptoms, enhancing comfort, and addressing emotional and spiritual needs. Some individuals receive palliative care for a relatively short period, such as days or weeks, while others may continue to receive this type of care for an extended duration, potentially spanning several months or even years. 

Final Thoughts 

Palliative care is a multidisciplinary treatment aimed at improving the quality of life and general wellness of individuals facing chronic, life-changing illnesses. It can also provide support to loved ones and caregivers. If you or a family member is facing a serious illness, palliative care may be an option you want to consider. Consult with a doctor to learn more about palliative care and how to get this type of care.