Palliative care resources

Key points about palliative care resources

  • Palliative care is the provision of caring and dignified support and services for people of all ages facing a life-limiting condition.
  • It's provided wherever the person is, whether that is in their home, hospital, community clinic or hospice.
  • This page provides links to useful resources for people receiving palliative care services and their whānau or carers.
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You can receive palliative care wherever you choose to be – at home, in hospital or in residential care. Hospice care is available where this support is seen as needed by you and your healthcare team.

Many health professionals and support agencies may be involved in your care including your usual healthcare providers, district nurses and any other medical specialists who are part of your regular care such as an oncologist or kidney specialist. This is known as primary palliative care. 

If you’ve been referred to a specialist palliative care team in the hospital or by referral to a hospice, your healthcare provider will continue to be involved in your care. The palliative care team will help co-ordinate your care in partnership with your wider healthcare team, family, hospital and community organisations.

Hospices around Aotearoa New Zealand provide support to people who are living with a terminal illness and their whānau. Most people are referred to their local hospice by their GP or main healthcare provider. Anyone is welcome to contact their local hospice to find out more about their services. Hospice care is free for anyone in Aotearoa New Zealand who’s eligible for free healthcare.

Find out more at Hospice New Zealand(external link).

Te Hokinga ā Wairua End of Life Service(external link) Te Hokinga ā Wairua End of Life Service, NZ


A Hospice Guide for Carers(external link) Hospice NZ

5 ways resource series Hospice NZ

Palliative Outcomes Initiative NZ resources


Personal cares, resources developed to help answer questions carers may have around oral care, and appetite and eating


Note: This resource is from overseas so some details may be different in NZ, eg, phone 111 for emergencies or, if it’s not an emergency, freephone Healthline 0800 611

Hospice NZ has published a booklet called A Hospice Guide for Carers(external link). This is an excellent resource for friends and family which covers practical and emotional issues around caring for someone with a terminal illness.

Skylight(external link) is a not-for-profit NZ organisation who specifically support children and young people affected by loss and grief.

The Cancer Society(external link) provides services and support for terminally ill patients and families.

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