In 2003, Ballarat Hospice Care looked after my wife, Helen, and I after she was diagnosed with an aggressive lymphoma. We were told she had just four to six weeks to live.

From the moment I opened the door to the hospice worker, I felt warmth. I noticed they wore a rainbow and transgender lanyard – it meant a lot to us. It said we would be accepted for who we were.

Our experience with Ballarat Hospice Care was outstanding. They were prompt, respectful, and always there, especially when Helen’s condition worsened. Their care was holistic – looking after Helen’s physical needs, but also supporting us emotionally, including our big family of children, grandchildren, and a new great-granddaughter.

I have a nursing background, so I truly appreciated the level of care they gave. They made sure Helen was pain-free and coordinated closely with her GP. They supported our family, even offering resources to help the younger grandchildren understand what was happening. They suggested options but always respected our choices.

If I had to sum Ballarat Hospice Care up in one word, it would be excellence. Their compassion and complete acceptance of our relationship meant so much. Later, I learned they had the Rainbow Tick, which was so important to Helen and I.

Palliative care can sound frightening, but I want people to know it’s about making the time you have left the best it can be. It’s support, not something to fear. Connecting early made all the difference for us.

Having hospice beside us allowed Helen to achieve what she wanted most – to die at home, surrounded by love, with dignity and peace.