What we offer
At Karuna, we believe death is an integral and valuable part of life. Our Buddhist principles of warmheartedness and connection underpin our service and support, encouraging a recognition of impermanence and how to face life and death with wisdom, acceptance and compassion.
Our wish is to support people with a life-limiting illness to live well and die peacefully – because life and death are interdependent, not opposites.
Spiritual care offers guidance and support to people experiencing grief and loss, spiritual and/or existential distress, or carer stress – fostering wellbeing and peace of mind when it comes to life, death, dying and grief.
Self-referral is strongly encouraged. Our spiritual care service is an integral part of our In-home Specialist Palliative Care service, but is also available independently of that service.
Supporting your mind and spirit
Grief and spiritual and/or existential distress may follow a diagnosis of a life-limiting or life-threatening illness, whether for the person diagnosed or their family and friends. How this looks can be different for each individual.
Spiritual care is about supporting the person, their family, carers and friends to be gently curious about the experience and find emotional calm amongst the confusion and busyness. To find connection in a way that is supportive and to develop peace of mind to live a quality of life of their choosing in the present. We recognise their idea of ‘quality’ may shift and change as the time of death draws closer.
For those with faith: Spiritual care can help to support and strengthen that faith, giving you confidence in your belief and practice. We can support and comfort you as you navigate your path forward, both before and after death.
This service offers:
- The opportunity to talk safely and openly about death, dying, grief and loss.
- Support with cultivating peace of mind and connection to bring healing, acceptance, and stability.
- Guidance to find what quality of life looks like when there is so much change, and to allow space to focus on what’s important to you when time is limited.
- Compassionate grief and bereavement support.
- Spiritual support from a Buddhist perspective for those who may be curious or who may have a regular Buddhist practice.
Who we care for
We support anyone affected by life-limiting illness, loss, or grief who is curious about their sense of spirit and spirituality and how they affect the experience of their world. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of:
Individuals and families
Any member of the wider Queensland community can access our specialised grief, bereavement, and spiritual care service. This includes individuals and families dealing with the spiritual distress or carer stress that can accompany life-limiting illness.
Vulnerable populations
We provide inclusive support for vulnerable populations experiencing loss, including First Nations People, LGBTIQ+ and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, refugee and asylum seekers, and regional and remote people.
Community organisations and professionals
Community groups, health professionals, and organisations can access Karuna’s specialised grief, bereavement, and spiritual care education, training, or peer support.
What to expect with Karuna
Get in touch
Explore resources
Receive holistic support
Check-in plan begins
Ongoing support until the end
Eligibility & Costs
Whether you’re a patient, family member, or friend seeking spiritual care, you are not alone—and you are eligible for support, including:
- Any person in the wider Queensland community.
- Any person wanting help to live with grief, bereavement, spiritual distress or carer stress.
Karuna provides spiritual care services at no direct out-of-pocket expense to the service recipient.
Self-referral for this service is strongly encouraged, and this service is accessible independent of Karuna’s In-home Specialist Palliative Care service. You can access our experienced spiritual care practitioners on weekdays, Monday – Friday.
Questions we’re often asked about Spiritual Care
There is this energy and way of being that all the Karuna staff exude and have. The care and level of heart that actually emanates from each of the people that I have met is palpable.– Patient
