End-of-life app helps people build a community of care

A free app that helps people with the challenge of end-of-life care has supported more than 1100 users since its launch in 2024 - including its founder. 

The Healthy End-of-Life Planning (HELP) app enables users to navigate and build a private care network of friends, family, carers and neighbours to support themselves or someone else living with life-limiting illness like cancer or dementia. 

Dr Andrea Grindrod, Director of La Trobe University's Public Health Palliative Care Unit, developed the HELP Program, now an end-of-life planning app after spending years researching how life-limiting illness affects people. 

She became one of its early users when her husband, Greg, was diagnosed with stage four metastatic cancer. 

"I was shocked when my research and personal life collided. I never expected to need palliative care at this stage in our lives and use the app myself for support,” Dr Grindrod said. 

People register to use the HELP app and list the tasks they need help with. Friends, family or carers are then invited to join their circle of care, choosing how and when they can assist with practical tasks like transport to medical appointments, preparing meals, gardening, dog walking or social catchups.  

The HELP app is backed by evidence-based research from La Trobe University and the model of care is now incorporated into Palliative Care Australia’s National Palliative Care Standards. 

Dr Grindrod said people often struggle to ask for and coordinate support when faced with a life-limiting condition. Her own experience dealing with her husband’s cancer has been documented in a film to help others in similar situations. 

“Our world changed overnight. When Greg began chemotherapy, I needed help to juggle my research work and daily home life pressures. If I was able to do it all myself, I would have, but I couldn’t,” Dr Grindrod said.  

“Letting people help isn’t a weakness – it's a strength. And it allowed us to focus more on each other, not just logistics.” 

Using the HELP app, the couple’s extended family and friends rallied to help with lawn mowing, meals, walking the dog and offering emotional support. 

“The benefits ripple beyond the immediate family. You’re not only getting the practical and social support you desperately need, you’re giving people who love and care for you the opportunity to support you. It’s a game changer.” 

Ahead of Dying To Know Day on 8 August, it is a timely reminder of the critical need for community support in palliative end-of-life care.  

“Community support is often the missing piece in most care models. The HELP app bridges that gap in palliative care at a time when families and carers are under stress and can feel isolated.” Dr Grindrod said. 

Palliative care specialist, Sonya Imbesi has seen firsthand the impact of the HELP app.   

“A friend’s dad was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, and I suggested the app to help coordinate his care, as he now requires 24/7 support. I’m currently part of the network on the app, and I’ve seen firsthand how much it’s helping. People are expressing how grateful they are to be involved in his care and to receive updates. The HELP app is making a huge difference.” 

The HELP app is funded by The Wicking Trust, and is a partnership with Palliative Care Australia. 

About La Trobe’s Health Innovation Strategy 

La Trobe University has invested $170 million in health innovation across all campuses to strengthen education and deliver high-quality care to Victorian communities. 

The University has also led the establishment of Australia’s first Care Economy Cooperative Research Centre, a $129 million, 10-year partnership of 60 organisations that will collaborate on care technology, data solutions and workforce innovation to address challenges and skills shortages currently crippling the sector. 

Download the free HELP app and watch Andrea and Greg’s story by visiting healthyendoflifeprogram.org 

Dr Andrea Grindrod and Sonya Imbesi are available for interview. 

Media enquiries

Debora McInnes – d.mcinnes@latrobe.edu.au, 0487 448 734 or [email protected]u

Photo available on request.