Care and support for family, friends and carers
Choosing to access voluntary assisted dying can have a significant impact on families and communities.
People may support or disagree with the decision based on their own values and beliefs. Regardless of these views, the decision belongs to the eligible person.
Information about death and dying can be distressing. If you need immediate help or are worried about someone's safety, call Triple Zero (000). Lifeline is available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14.
Support is available during a person's illness and in bereavement.
Supporting someone who chooses voluntary assisted dying
When voluntary assisted dying becomes available, you may need to provide care and support to a person who chooses voluntary assisted dying as part of their end-of-life care.
You can support them by:
- listening to them
- respecting their privacy
- helping them ask questions
- encouraging them to discuss all end-of-life options with their healthcare team.
Family, friends and carers will be provided with additional support throughout the process.
This will not replace existing support services. You can currently access:
- support from CarersNT for family members, friends and carers
- information about end-of-life care and support on the CareSearch Community website
- palliative care information and resources on the Palliative Care Australia website
- information and support about grief on the Grief Australia website.
Support for Aboriginal people and communities
Information and support will also recognise the diversity of Aboriginal cultures, languages, kinship systems and end-of-life practices across the NT.
A person will be able to ask for support from an:
- Aboriginal health practitioner
- Aboriginal liaison officer
- interpreter
- Elder
- family member
- other support person.
Who is involved will depend on the person’s wishes and the law.
NT Health will work to develop culturally safe information and support with:
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
- Aboriginal health practitioners
- cultural advisers
- communities
This will include local-language, audio and video information and culturally appropriate ways of discussing death and dying.
Language and communication support
Information will be available in accessible formats and community languages.
You can ask for an accredited interpreter or communication support if you need it.
Family members generally cannot act as interpreters during formal assessments or requests. The law may allow this in exceptional circumstances.
Care Navigator Service
A Care Navigator Service will be established to provide information and connect people, families and carers with support.