Our current premises no longer accomodate the needs of our patients their families and carers, nor our staff or volunteers.  We have made the comittment to purchase a block of land in Sturt Street West, Ballarat.  Now we are asking for your support to raise funds to pay for this land so that we can develop a purpose built building that will deliver specialist palliative care to help our patients their families and carers.

Palliative care may affect all of us at some stage in our lives whether as a patient, carer, family member, neighbour or friend. However, many of us do not understand what palliative care is.

When someone has an illness that cannot be cured, palliative care may be suggested. Palliative care is the part of healthcare provided to people who have a progressing illness. Cure is no longer the aim of treatment. Instead, maintaining the best quality of life possible becomes the priority.

Managing symptoms is an important part of this. Palliative care addresses physical symptoms (e.g.pain, nausea) as well as helping with emotional, spiritual and social needs.

Why we are needed:

• Ballarat Hospice is the only home-based palliative care service in Ballarat and Greater surrounding areas.  Our services are provided free of charge.
• Every person deserves to die with dignity in the place of their choice.
• 24 hour emergency support is available to patients and their families.
•  We believe it is our responsibility to provide the best information to enable people to choose and decide on their own care.
• The death of a person affects individuals, family members, carers and communities.  Support should be available to all those affected.

What do we do?

Ballarat Hospice offers specialist palliative care through a coordinated team approach between patients and their health care workers.

Specialist Palliative Care Nurses work closely with GPs and relevant specialists and facilitate referrals to Palliative Care Doctors and Nurse Practitioner.

 Supportive Care Team made up of Counsellors & trained Volunteers offer

• Advocacy

• Support and Counselling

• Grief and Bereavement Support

• Spiritual Support

• Words of Life

• Patient Support Volunteers

24 hour Emergency Support offering advice and care for patients and their family and carers registered with Ballarat Hospice.

 Loan of Equipment to patients registered with Ballarat Hospice - for example

• Shower stools and chairs

• Wheel chairs

• Electric lift chairs

• Electric beds

Education offering information to Carers who are preparing to support a loved one requiring palliative care services in the home.  In-house education on a one on one and as needed basis to health and community services, schools and community groups.