Ideally, Advance Care Planning happens early, alongside active oncology treatments. It involves thinking about what care the patient would prefer if they find themselves in a situation where they cannot communicate or make decisions about their care and treatment.
In the video above, Craig shares his experience on being an advocate for the person you are caring for and the importance of planning ahead.
You can ask your doctors nurse coordinators, social workers or palliative care team about advance care planning. Visit the Advance Care Planning Australia website more information, or ring the Advance Care Planning Advisory service on 1300 208 582.
More information can be found at the Australian Government Department of Health page on Advance care planning .
Loss of income and financial strain
If loss of income is a worry for you, there are options available. The main person who has the knowledge to assist you with advice and support in this difficult situation is a welfare officer.
The role of the welfare officer
The role of a welfare officer, also known as a support officer, is to assist you and your friend or relative to deal with:
- Centrelink
- Carer’s payment (income and assets dependent, ~ $500/fortnight)
- Carer’s allowance (not subject to income and assets evaluation and non-taxable ~ $100/fortnight)
- Disability pension (for the care-receiver, income and assets tested, ~ $500/fortnight)
- Rent allowance available through Centrelink
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme(PBS)- safety net allowance
- Bills (negotiation and liaison with utility providers and other creditors)
- Banking – Advocacy and liaison
- Superannuation & Income protection assistance
- Homes West applications or liaising with the Department of Housing for accommodation assistance
- Emergency Relief in extreme circumstances
- Clothing
- Food vouchers/parcels
- Paying bills
- Transport (including Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS), hospital transport)
- Disabled parking permit applications (ACROD)
A welfare officer can also provide information and referral to:
- Community support services
- Emergency relief services
- Legal services
- Financial counsellors
You or your friend or relative may not be eligible for these schemes; however, it is important to be aware of the assistance you can receive, and to obtain help in dealing with matters that seem overwhelming.
The following links show where you may be able to access a welfare officer:
- Australian Government Carer Gateway – What services and support are available
- Services Australia – How to contact a social worker
The Cancer Council financial referral service can help you with:
- Applying for Centrelink benefits
- Budgeting
- Planning for your children’s future
- Debt management
- Superannuation and insurance