My experience with Ballarat Hospice Care began when my dad was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. We were trying to figure out what to do – how to navigate everything when it felt like the wheels had completely fallen off.

Early on, it became clear to me how important it was to build a relationship with the hospice team right from the start. That trust, understanding, and reassurance that we had choices and could do things our way meant everything later when things became more difficult.

At one point, I was trying to be everything – the carer, the organiser, the son – and I was struggling. One of the hospice staff said something I’ll never forget: “Have you thought about being a son and letting us be the carers?” It was a turning point. Until that moment, I hadn’t realised how much I needed to just be there for Dad, not manage everything.

Hospice supported us in so many ways – practical things like getting the equipment and 24-hour support we needed at home, including when Dad had a fall late one night. They helped open doors to services and even made it possible for us to bring Dad home during the day and return him for overnight care. The expertise and compassion they brought into our family made such a difference.

To me, Ballarat Hospice Care is reliable, caring, trustworthy, and professional. Their actions backed up those words every single time.

Palliative care can feel scary and overwhelming – it’s not something we talk about enough. But when you’re faced with it, having hospice by your side makes all the difference. You’re not alone, and that support is something I’ll never forget.

We’re lucky to have 40 years of hospice care in Ballarat. It’s such an important part of this community. Without them, I honestly don’t know where we’d be. I’ve seen firsthand how much people care – staff, volunteers, everyone – and I’ll always be a strong advocate for Ballarat Hospice Care.