Do you feel like you’re too far from the support you need? For families across rural and remote areas in Queensland, this is a familiar feeling, but support is available.
We, at PalAssist, provide free palliative care support through phone and online chat, seven days a week. Our registered nurses and allied health professionals have been supporting Queensland families for years, so they are well-equipped to understand the challenges that rural communities face.
You can also access rural palliative care in Queensland using telehealth services. This article, however, will walk you through how telehealth support works, how to connect with the right healthcare providers, and what local services are available near you.
First, let’s look at the local support you can get for rural palliative care in Queensland.
Local Services for Rural Palliative Care Queensland Patients
Your local GPs, nurses, pharmacies, and allied health professionals provide generalist palliative care as a first step in rural communities. These healthcare providers will work together to manage symptoms and coordinate your loved one’s care.
Here’s how you can tap into these local services and what they can offer your family.
Know What’s Nearby
Your local GP usually coordinates care by leading your loved one’s care team and staying in touch with other local healthcare providers. Afterwards, community nurses can come to your home to check on symptoms and help adjust the care plan as things change.
Remember not to overlook your local pharmacy either. Many rural pharmacies now stock specific palliative care medicines and can give advice about managing medications at home.
Allied health professionals like social workers and counsellors can also help with the emotional side of things.
Linking with Broader Support
What happens when your local team needs extra help? The care team may connect you with specialist services for extra support. For example, your GP can speak with palliative care specialists through phone or video calls when symptoms are harder to manage.
There’s also a 24-hour hotline called PallConsult, which lets local clinicians get advice from specialists at any time. So your rural healthcare providers have backup support whenever they need it.
First Steps to Take
Start by booking an appointment with your local GP or medical centre. Then:
- Tell the doctor your loved one requires palliative care and ask what services they can organise.
- Next, find out which nurses can visit at home and how often.
- Make sure you know who to contact after hours if urgent issues arise.
- Finally, write down all the details so you can easily refer back to them when needed.
Sometimes these local services can handle everything your family needs, but other times you’ll want to reach further for specialist advice through telehealth.
How Telehealth Connects Queensland Families to Palliative Care Specialists
Telehealth lets you talk with specialist healthcare providers without leaving your local area. You can get expert advice through a simple mobile or landline phone call or video chat, no matter where you live in Queensland.
Let’s find out what you need to know about using these services.
What Is Telehealth and Who Is It For?
Telehealth literally means “healthcare at a distance” and provides access to doctors and nurses through phones, video calls, or apps. This is so you don’t have to (or can’t) travel to a clinic.
These services are free for anyone with a life-limiting illness, and family members or carers can use them too. You can also ask your local medical centre if you can use video equipment to connect with specialists through SPaRTa. But even without that, a phone call can give you the same expert help.
What Can You Discuss in a Telehealth Consultation?
You can talk about anything related to your loved one’s care. This includes managing pain, handling breathing problems, or dealing with other symptoms that worry you.
Healthcare providers also offer emotional support when caring feels too hard. In fact, a recent study by Cureus found that telehealth helps families feel more confident managing complex care. So we suggest talking with your healthcare team about medications, future plans, and home care advice at the earliest opportunity.
How to Use Telehealth Services in Rural Areas
You can call us on 1800 725 277 between 7 am and 7 pm, any day of the week and tell us what help you need. For specialist appointments through SPaRTa, your GP can arrange a referral.
You can join the consultation by phone at a convenient time, and your local doctor will receive updates so everyone stays coordinated.
Take the Step to Connect with Support
So, does knowing about these options make things feel a bit easier? Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming. Just take one step today to get the support you need, wherever you are.
Your local healthcare providers can help with everyday care needs. Telehealth support can bring in specialists right to you. So start planning now to make sure help is ready when you need it.
Or call us at Pal Assist on 1800 725 277 between 7 am and 7 pm, any day. We’re here to help Queensland families like yours.
Disclaimer
This blog provides general health and product information for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always seek guidance from your GP, nurse, continence advisor, or pharmacist regarding your individual needs. If symptoms persist or you’re unsure about product use, consult a qualified healthcare provider.
