Caring for Someone
Support for people caring for someone who is dying.
Can a facility stop a VAD practitioner from visiting me?
Whether a facility can stop a VAD practitioner visiting depends on state or territory law and the type of facility.
5 min readCan a family member contact a VAD service on my behalf?
Yes, a family member, friend or carer can usually contact a VAD care navigator service to ask for general information.
7 min readCan children be present during a VAD death?
Children may be able to be present during a voluntary assisted dying (VAD) death, but this needs careful planning.
6 min readCan family play music, have a meal or perform a ceremony during a VAD death?
Often, yes.
2 min readCan I decide not to return to hospital?
A person with capacity can usually decide not to return to hospital, but they need a clear home care and emergency plan.
5 min readCan someone really die at home with proper medical support?
Yes.
2 min readCan VAD assessments be done by telehealth?
Telehealth may be possible for some VAD-related support, but some VAD assessment or request steps may be restricted or must be done another way.
5 min readDo I need to call 000 or the police after an expected death at home?
Usually, no.
2 min readHow do families cope with knowing the exact date of a VAD death?
Knowing the planned date of a VAD death can help some families prepare, but it can also create pressure, dread and complex grief.
5 min readHow do I find a doctor who provides VAD?
The safest way to find a doctor who provides voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is to contact the official VAD care navigator or support service in your state or territory.
4 min readHow do I know when to give breakthrough medicines at home?
Give breakthrough medicine only when the person's written plan says it is needed for the symptom you are seeing.
4 min readHow do I tell my children that someone they love is dying?
Tell children the truth in clear, gentle words.
2 min readHow does VAD work if I live in regional or rural Australia?
Regional and rural access to VAD may involve care navigators, travelling practitioners, local clinicians, travel support or telehealth limits.
6 min readIs a VAD death usually peaceful?
Many families and clinicians expect a voluntary assisted dying (VAD) death to be calm, planned and private.
2 min readIs it normal to feel relief as well as grief after a VAD death?
Yes, relief and grief can happen together after a VAD death, especially when someone had been suffering or the family had been under strain.
4 min readShould children visit someone who is dying?
Children can visit someone who is dying if they want to, the visit is safe, and they are prepared for what they may see.
4 min readShould I call an ambulance if someone is expected to die at home?
Not automatically.
4 min readWhat are anticipatory medicines and why have they been prescribed?
Anticipatory medicines are medicines prescribed in advance in case symptoms happen suddenly, especially when someone is being cared for at home near the end of life.
1 min readWhat happens if I am too unwell to travel for a VAD assessment?
If you are too unwell to travel for VAD assessment, contact the VAD navigator quickly so they can check local, visiting or lawful remote options.
2 min readWhat happens if I become too sick to transfer to another facility for VAD?
If transfer becomes unsafe, the VAD team may need to explore local access, visiting practitioners, symptom care or whether the process can continue.
4 min readWhat happens if the family disagrees about treatment at the end of life?
If family members disagree about treatment at the end of life, the first step is usually a careful meeting with the treating team.
5 min readWhat happens immediately after someone dies at home?
If the death was expected, there is usually no need to call `000` or the police straight away.
5 min readWhat help is available if I have to stop working to care for someone who is dying?
If you need to stop work or reduce hours to care for someone who is dying, help may include workplace leave, flexible work discussions, Centrelink carer payments, Carer Gateway support, respite, social work help and financial counselling.
2 min readWhat if I want VAD but do not qualify?
If you want VAD but do not qualify, you can ask why, check review options, and still receive palliative care and other end-of-life support.
4 min readWhat should children expect when they visit someone who is dying?
Children should be told, in plain words, what may be different before they visit someone who is dying.
5 min readWhat should we organise after being told someone may only have months to live?
If someone may only have months to live, start with the supports that affect comfort, decision-making and safety: medical contacts, palliative care, medicines, home support, legal and financial documents, carer support, and the person's wishes for care.
2 min readWhat support is available for families after a VAD death?
Families after a VAD death can seek support from palliative care, VAD services, GPs, grief services, counselling, spiritual care and crisis lines.
5 min readWhat support is needed for someone to die at home?
Someone dying at home usually needs a planned mix of medical care, nursing support, practical help, equipment, medicines, after-hours advice and family or friend support.
4 min readWhen should I call the palliative care team?
Call the palliative care team when symptoms change, medicines are not working as expected, the care plan is unclear, equipment is not working, or you are worried about the person or your ability to keep caring safely.
4 min readWho decides when family members disagree about end-of-life care?
When family members disagree, the decision-maker is not automatically the loudest person, the closest relative in a social sense, or a family vote.
2 min readWho pays for travel needed to access VAD?
Travel costs for VAD depend on the state or territory, the person's location, available support programs and the travel scheme rules.
2 min readWill a VAD doctor travel to me?
A VAD doctor may be able to travel in some situations, but availability depends on the jurisdiction, workforce and travel support arrangements.
2 min readWill my palliative care team still care for me if I ask about VAD?
A palliative care team should keep caring for you if you ask about VAD, although individual staff may have different roles or objections.