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Social work

A social worker focuses on the social and emotional well-being of people and offers information, emotional support and counselling in the following areas:

• Family/relationship conflict
• Social isolation
• Mental health issues
• Lifestyle decision-making
• Grief and loss
• Stress management

Some of the services supported by the Commonwealth government include:

• Home and Community Care (HACC)
• Respite in your own home
• Respite in an aged care facility (hostel or nursing home)
• Permanent residential living in a hostel or a nursing home
• Community Care Packages (CCPS)

Palliative care nursing

Palliative care is the provision of care and support to clients with a terminal illness. It aims to improve the person’s quality of life and assist them to die with dignity in their chosen environment.

Palliative care nurses can help by:

• Managing pain and other symptoms.
• Arranging home care as required, including equipment, personal care, bereavement care, and contact with support groups.
• Working closely with family and other health care providers, such as doctors, clergy, support workers and allied health professionals.
• Assisting the client and their family to deal with the many issues that arise at times of serious illness.
• Providing counselling in relation to nature, treatment and progression of certain terminal diseases.