Compassionate Palliative Care | RusCare Melbourne

At RusCare, we understand that navigating the challenges of serious illness requires not just medical support, but also emotional and spiritual care.

Our Palliative Care Partnerships are designed to provide compassionate, comprehensive support for individuals and families facing life-limiting conditions.

Serving the Russian-Australian community in Melbourne and Victoria since 1955, we are committed to delivering personalised, culturally sensitive palliative care that respects your individual needs and honors your heritage.

Understanding Palliative Care

Palliative care is specialised medical care focused on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness, regardless of the diagnosis or stage of the disease.

The goal is to improve quality of life for both the individual and their family.

At RusCare, our palliative care services aim to:

Provide Comfort: Alleviate physical symptoms and discomfort.
Offer Emotional Support: Address emotional and psychological needs.
Enhance Quality of Life: Focus on holistic well-being.
Support Families: Assist loved ones through guidance and resources.
Respect Choices: Honor personal values, cultural traditions, and care preferences.

Our team works collaboratively with healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care tailored to your unique situation.

Our Palliative Care Partnerships

We have established partnerships with reputable palliative care providers to offer a seamless and integrated service. Our approach includes:

Holistic Care Approach

Addressing All Aspects of Well-being

We focus on the whole person, not just the illness, by:

Physical Care: Managing pain and other distressing symptoms.
Emotional Care: Providing counselling and psychological support.
Spiritual Care: Respecting and supporting spiritual beliefs and practices.
Social Care: Assisting with social needs and connections.

Our holistic approach ensures comprehensive support for you and your family.

Collaborative Care Team

Working Together for Optimal Care

Our team includes:

Palliative Care Specialists: Physicians and nurses with expertise in palliative medicine.
Social Workers: Providing resources and support for social needs.
Counsellors and Psychologists: Offering emotional and mental health support.
Spiritual Advisors: Respecting and facilitating spiritual needs.
Allied Health Professionals: Including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians.

Collaboration ensures coordinated care that addresses all facets of your well-being.

Emotional and Spiritual Support

Nurturing the Mind and Spirit

We offer:

Counselling Services: Individual and family counselling to navigate emotional challenges.
Support Groups: Connecting you with others facing similar experiences.
Spiritual Support: Access to chaplains or spiritual leaders in your faith tradition.
Bereavement Support: Assistance for families during and after the end-of-life journey.

Emotional and spiritual care is integral to our compassionate approach.

Symptom Management

Enhancing Comfort and Quality of Life

Our team focuses on relieving symptoms such as:

Pain: Utilising medications and therapies to manage pain effectively.
Breathlessness: Providing treatments and techniques to ease breathing difficulties.
Fatigue: Implementing strategies to conserve energy and improve strength.
Nausea and Appetite Loss: Managing gastrointestinal symptoms to maintain nutrition.

Effective symptom management allows you to focus on what matters most to you.

Support for Families and Caregivers

Empowering Those Who Care for You

We provide:

Education and Training: Teaching caregivers how to provide care safely and effectively.
Respite Care Options: Offering temporary relief for caregivers to rest and recharge.
Resource Coordination: Assisting with accessing community resources and services.
Emotional Support: Counselling and support groups for caregivers.

We recognise the vital role of family and caregivers and are here to support them.

Benefits of Our Palliative Care Services

Personalised Care Plans: Tailored to your specific needs, preferences, and values.
Improved Quality of Life: Focus on comfort and well-being rather than solely on treatment.
Cultural Sensitivity: Care that respects your cultural background and traditions.
Continuity of Care: Seamless coordination between RusCare and palliative care partners.
Accessibility: Care provided in your home or preferred setting.

Our compassionate care aims to make a meaningful difference in your life.

Cultural Sensitivity and Multilingual Support

At RusCare, we prioritise:

Language Support: Many of our staff speak Russian and other languages, ensuring clear communication.
Cultural Practices: Respecting rituals, traditions, and customs important to you and your family.
Dietary Considerations: Accommodating cultural dietary needs and preferences.
Family Involvement: Encouraging family participation in care decisions and support.

We honor your heritage and integrate it into your care plan.

How to Access Our Palliative Care Services

Step 1: Contact Us

Phone: (03) 9793 5955
Email: reception@ruscare.com.au

Our compassionate team will listen to your needs and provide guidance.

Step 2: Initial Consultation

Assessment: We’ll arrange a meeting to understand your situation, needs, and wishes.
Care Planning: Develop a personalized care plan in collaboration with you, your family, and healthcare providers.

Step 3: Begin Care

Implementation: Start receiving services as outlined in your care plan.
Ongoing Support: Regular reviews and adjustments to ensure your needs are met.

Funding Options

Government Programs: Assistance may be available through programs like CHSP or HCP.
Private Health Insurance: Coverage may apply depending on your policy.
Private Payment: Flexible payment options for self-funded care.

For more information on funding and eligibility, please visit our CHSP and HCP pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?

Palliative care is available at any stage of a serious illness and focuses on improving quality of life, while hospice care is specific to end-of-life care when curative treatment is no longer pursued.

Can I continue receiving curative treatments while in palliative care?

Yes, palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments to manage symptoms and enhance comfort.

Where is palliative care provided?

Palliative care can be provided in your home, in a hospital, or in specialised care facilities, depending on your needs and preferences.

How does RusCare work with other healthcare providers?

We collaborate closely with your doctors, specialists, and palliative care teams to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care.

Is palliative care only for cancer patients?

No, palliative care is for anyone experiencing a serious illness, such as heart failure, chronic lung disease, kidney failure, dementia, and more.

Contact Us

We’re Here to Support You and Your Family

Phone: (03) 9793 5955
Email: reception@ruscare.com.au
Address: 13 Conway Street, Dandenong, VIC, 3175

Our compassionate team is ready to assist you with any questions or needs.