Expert palliative care
support and information
when you need it.
What is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is so much more than many people think. It is dedicated and specialised care that enhances people’s lives, by helping them manage any symptoms and concerns that they may have; palliative care improves quality of life by prioritising comfort and choice, and helps people live the best life they can, for as long as possible.
It is care for families and carers. The significant challenges faced when living with palliative conditions also affect the people who care, and palliative care provides systems, supports, information and care to these very important people, recognising the challenges and demands they face daily.
Palliative care is end-of-life care when it’s needed. It is support, knowledge and compassion that ensures dignity, comfort and respect for the dying person.
About Us
Banksia Palliative Care Service is a not-for-profit organisation that provides expert palliative care support at no cost to our clients or their carers. As the sole Victorian Government-funded community palliative care service for the 3 local government areas of Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea, we provide free home-based, person-centred palliative care for anyone in these areas, living with a progressive terminal illness.
All of our services, which include medical and nursing care, assorted allied health supports and volunteers are provide in the community – our goal is to enable people to stay in their home, thereby decreasing the need for hospitalisation and medical visits. Our services are provided:
Collaborative care at home
By creating a network of care, we place the environment – and people’s deep connection to place – at the heart of end-of-life care.
We provide person-centred care
This means we learn about our clients and carers as individuals. We provide information and options and encourage participation in decisions related to care and treatment – we become partners with our clients and their carers so we can achieve best outcomes. We become involved and stay involved for as long as you need us.
Bereavement Social Group
This is a monthly meetup support program that connects bereaved people with others who share experience of careing for a loved one who has died.
Foundations of mental health in palliative care
Explore the psychological dimensions of end-of-life care with this one-day seminar designed to better equipt health professionals working in this space.
Bereavement Support Group
This 6 week program brings together bereaved family members offering them the opportunity to share their experience of grief in palliative care.