Terminally ill people in Geelong who wish to die at home and their families will have better access to support services at the end of their life thanks to an Andrews Labor Government grants program.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today announced that Anam Cara Geelong was among six services to share in $5.5 million from the Labor Government’s End-of-life Ancillary Service Grant program.
Anam Cara Geelong will receive a $1.1 million funding boost to support more terminally ill people in Geelong and across regional and rural Victoria to be cared for, and die, at home.
They will use their funding boost to provide a range of services including assistance for healthcare aids and equipment and help for patients and their families with day-to-day activities, practical in-home support, transport to shops and medical appointments and respite for families.
Five other services receiving funding include:
- Shannon’s Bridge - $2.5 million
- Chinese Cancer and Chronic Illness Society of Victoria - $275,000
- Little Dreamers Australia - $600,000
- Peace of Mind Foundation - $357,000
- Warrnambool and District Community Hospice - $681,700
These services are not-for-profit, non-government organisations that assist people, families and carers to manage the day-to-day activities associated with caring for someone with terminal illness at home. They provide an invaluable addition to the direct care delivered by palliative care, health and other mainstream services.
By providing practical and timely support, they ensure people can remain at home with their family, friends and local communities for as long as possible, often until their death.
The grant program is part of the Labor Government’s $62 million in additional funding over the next five years for end of life care.
The Labor Government invests around $135 million per year in palliative care services, and has increased palliative care funding each year since coming into office.
Applications for the second round of the end-of-life ancillary service grants program are now open.
Quote attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“We know that many people who are terminally ill want to die at home – close to family and loved ones. This funding will give people in Geelong the support they need to be cared for.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“We’re supporting quality and compassionate end-of-life and palliative care that relieves pain and suffering, and gives more people the support they need to die in their own home.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville
“This funding will help local services take the anxiety and stress out of those final days for the family of those patients who chose to die at home.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“We want to give families as much support as possible to ensure their loved ones are comfortable and can make the most of every moment.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020