Premier

Supporting Families Of Terminally Ill People In Warrnambool

11 April 2018

Terminally ill people in Warrnambool 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 Warrnambool & District Community Hospice was among six services to share in $5.5 million from the Labor Government’s End-of-life Ancillary Service Grant program.

Warrnambool & District Community Hospital will receive a $681,700 funding boost to support more terminally ill people in the region 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
  • Anam Cara Geelong - $1.1 million
  • Chinese Cancer and Chronic Illness Society of Victoria - $275,000
  • Little Dreamers Australia - $600,000
  • Peace of Mind Foundation - $357,000

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.

Quotes 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 the region, and across the state, the support they need to be cared for at home.”

“These local services help people make the most of every moment as their life draws to an end.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney

“We’re supporting quality and compassionate end-of-life and palliative care that relieves pain and suffering, and giving more people the support they need to die in their place of choice.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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