Complementary Therapy

Complementary Therapy includes the Wellbeing Service for patients and their families at Laurel Hospice (Flinders Medical Centre).  Other palliative care wards also offer volunteer-run Complementary Therapy services.

The Wellbeing Service at Southern Adelaide Palliative Services (SAPS) provides alternative therapies for clients and families receiving palliative care services. Therapies available are dependent on qualified volunteers who kindly offer their time, knowledge and skills to provide this service. 

These include:

• Massage
• Hypnotherapy and kinesiology
• Yoga and meditation
• Reiki and therapeutic touch
• Facials and aromatherapy
• Reflexology, Bowen Therapy and lymphatic drainage.

• Promote relaxation and emotional support
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve wellbeing and quality of life
• Better the quality of sleep
• Alleviate symptoms such as pain, nausea, poor appetite, fatigue, constipation and diarrhoea
• Support our patients, their families and carers.

Losing someone you love can be very painful. Following a significant loss, all kinds of difficult and surprising emotions may be experienced. Sometimes it may feel like the sadness will never diminish.

Bereavement support counselling, debriefing and development of additional strategies to assist in the transition and supporting others in a safe and non-judgmental manner. Support can be offered in person, via telephone, or in written form.

Source practical information about the next steps after losing a loved one, including coping with grief and bereavement.  Helpful online resources include GriefLink, CareSearch or MyGriefAssist. Alternatively please visit our Useful Links page for further resources to help. 

Bereavement services can include individual contact and counselling, printed information and connection with other more suitable support services. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone for help or even just a listening ear. 

To find out how these services can help you and your family, please contact your local palliative care service.