Diagnosis
It can be a shock to realise that medical treatment cannot cure all illness. You will have many questions about your diagnosis. Until the moment of death, you are living and there is much that can be done to maintain your quality of life or lifestyle because every day of your life is now more precious than ever… Read more
Your needs
People with a life threatening illness will have a range of needs that go beyond meeting their physical or medical requirements. They are offered holistic care which focuses on quality of life and aims to help people live well. A team of health care professionals including doctors, nurses, allied health workers, chaplains and volunteers, provides specialised, coordinated care addressing the physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual needs of not just you, but of your family and carers. This type of care can last for weeks, months or even years… Read more
The workplace
Some people choose to continue working as long as possible after diagnosis and during treatment. Being able to work while living with a life threatening illness can be important because it can allow you to… Read more
Terminology can be confusing. This website has used the following terminology:
- terminal illness - an illness which is progressive and has no cure
- life threatening illness - an illness which is very serious - a person may recover, or the illness may become terminal.
Sometimes, in other forums, the terms "life limiting" or "life shortening" are used instead of "terminal".
This website was developed by PCA with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. PCA is the peak national body representing the interests of people living with a life threatening illness. PCA aims to increase access to services for people living with a life threatening illness and their families and carers. To provide feedback on this website, click here.