Terms & Conditions
Last updated: 27/02/2026
1. Introduction
Welcome to The Liminal Companion. These Terms & Conditions outline the agreement between you (“the client”) and The Liminal Companion (“we”, “our”, “us”) in relation to the provision of end-of-life support services.
The Liminal Companion operates as a sole trader practice based in Melbourne, Australia, offering non-medical death doula and end-of-life companionship services. Our work is grounded in dignity, autonomy, human rights principles, and trauma-aware, culturally responsive care.
By engaging our services, booking an appointment, or entering into a support agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.
These Terms are designed to:
Clarify the nature and scope of services provided
Outline responsibilities of both the practitioner and client
Ensure transparency around fees, confidentiality, and professional boundaries
Support safe, ethical, and respectful working relationships
We are committed to approaching all agreements with integrity, clarity, and mutual respect. If you have any questions about these Terms, you are encouraged to raise them prior to commencing services.
2. Nature of Services
All services provided are non-medical and do not replace medical, nursing, psychological, or legal care.
We may provide:
End-of-life companionship
Advance care planning support
Legacy or life review work
Vigil presence
Advocacy and systems navigation
Emotional and relational support
Clients are encouraged to maintain appropriate medical and professional care alongside our services.
3. Initial Consultation
A 20-minute initial consultation is offered with no obligation. This conversation helps determine suitability and clarify expectations.
Engagement in ongoing services occurs only after mutual agreement.
4. Fees & Payment
Fees are designed to reflect the time, skill, preparation, travel, and emotional labour involved in providing high-quality end-of-life support, while remaining aligned with our commitment to accessibility and equity.
4.1 Fee Structure
Hourly Sessions
One-on-one support, consultations, accompaniment, or advocacy services are billed at $90 per hour.
Package Rates (10 Preplanned Sessions)
Packages provide continuity of care and structured support:
$800 full fee
$600 reduced fee (concession)
Package sessions are typically scheduled in advance and are intended to provide consistent, ongoing support. Package inclusions and timelines will be discussed prior to commencement.
Sliding Scale / Negotiated Fee
Reduced fees may be negotiated based on financial circumstances and current availability. Sliding scale arrangements are limited and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Approval is not guaranteed and may involve a waitlist.
Mutual Aid / Trades
Where agreed in advance, services may be exchanged for goods or skills (e.g., prepared meals, professional services, pet care support). All trade agreements must be discussed, clearly defined, and mutually agreed upon prior to services commencing.
4.2 Payment Terms
Payment arrangements will be confirmed prior to the commencement of services.
Hourly sessions are payable either on the day of service or via invoice within the agreed timeframe.
Package fees may be payable upfront or via agreed instalment arrangement.
Sliding scale or trade agreements must be finalised before the first session.
Invoices will be issued electronically unless otherwise arranged.
Late payments may result in suspension of services until accounts are brought up to date, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed upon in writing.
4.3 Travel Fees
Service fees include travel within 30km of Mount Waverley, VIC 3149.
Travel beyond this radius incurs an additional fee of $0.88 per kilometre.
Any anticipated travel fees will be discussed in advance.
4.4 Fee Adjustments
Fees are subject to review and may change over time. Clients will be provided reasonable notice of any fee adjustments before changes take effect.
4.5 Refunds
Refunds are not provided for completed sessions.
Package refunds, where applicable, will be assessed proportionally based on sessions already delivered and any administrative time incurred.
We are committed to transparency and fairness in all financial arrangements. If financial hardship arises during your support period, we encourage open communication so that options can be explored respectfully.
5. Confidentiality
We are committed to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality, privacy, and ethical responsibility in all aspects of our work. End-of-life support often involves deeply personal, emotional, medical, relational, spiritual, and cultural information. Protecting this information is central to creating a safe and trusting space.
5.1 Commitment to Privacy
All personal information shared during consultations, sessions, written communication, or informal conversations will be treated as confidential.
This includes (but is not limited to):
Personal identifying details
Health and medical information
Family and relationship dynamics
Legal or financial matters
Cultural, spiritual, or religious beliefs
Advance care planning discussions
Emotional disclosures and life stories
Information will not be disclosed to third parties without your explicit consent, except where required by law.
5.2 Legal & Ethical Limits to Confidentiality
Confidentiality may be lawfully limited in circumstances including:
If there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to you or another person
If there is disclosure of abuse or neglect involving a child
If required by a court order or legal obligation
If mandatory reporting laws apply
Where possible, we will seek to discuss any necessary disclosure with you before action is taken.
5.3 Record Keeping & Data Security
Brief session notes may be kept to ensure continuity of care and professional accountability.
Records are stored securely using password-protected systems and/or locked physical storage.
Only authorised access is permitted.
Records are retained in accordance with applicable Australian privacy legislation, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Electronic communications (email, messaging, online meetings) are conducted using reasonably secure platforms; however, no digital system can be guaranteed 100% secure.
Clients may request access to their personal records, subject to legal limitations.
5.4 Online & Telehealth Confidentiality
For online meetings:
Clients are encouraged to attend sessions from a private space where they feel safe to speak openly.
We use reputable online platforms with security features enabled.
We cannot guarantee confidentiality if sessions are attended in shared or public environments.
5.5 Collaboration with Other Providers
With your written consent, we may communicate with other health professionals, palliative care teams, aged care staff, or family members to support coordinated care.
Only relevant information will be shared, and always with your knowledge and permission unless legally required otherwise.
5.6 After Death
Respect for confidentiality continues after death. Personal information, stories, and private disclosures remain protected and will not be shared without prior consent from the client or authorised next of kin, except where legally required.
We recognise that trust is sacred in end-of-life work. Confidentiality is not simply a legal obligation, it is an ethical commitment to dignity, autonomy, and care.
6. Cancellations, Rescheduling & Emergencies
We understand that end-of-life journeys can be unpredictable. This policy aims to balance flexibility and compassion with respect for professional time and sustainability.
6.1 Cancellations & Rescheduling
A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur the full session fee.
Repeated late cancellations may require review of ongoing booking arrangements.
Where possible, we will offer alternative appointment times.
6.2 Sudden Medical Changes
We recognise that health circumstances can shift quickly.
In the event of sudden hospitalisation, medical deterioration, or end-of-life changes:
We will exercise flexibility wherever reasonably possible.
Cancellation fees may be waived at our discretion in genuine emergency situations.
We will prioritise adjusting the care plan to meet urgent needs.
6.3 Vigil & On-Call Support
If vigil or on-call presence has been scheduled:
Specific availability windows will be agreed upon in advance.
Extended waiting periods or significant schedule changes may require renegotiation of fees.
We cannot guarantee immediate availability unless a prior on-call agreement has been arranged.
6.4 Practitioner Cancellation
If we are unable to attend a scheduled session due to illness, emergency, or unforeseen circumstances:
You will be notified as soon as possible.
The session will be rescheduled at no additional cost.
Any prepaid session will remain credited to your account.
6.5 Ending Services
Either party may choose to end services at any time. Where possible, we request reasonable notice to support a respectful closure process.
Outstanding fees remain payable for services already delivered.
We approach scheduling with care, recognising the emotional weight of this work. Clear communication supports steadiness, fairness, and trust for everyone involved.
7. Confidentiality
We are committed to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality, privacy, and ethical responsibility in all aspects of our work. End-of-life support often involves deeply personal, emotional, medical, relational, spiritual, and cultural information. Protecting this information is central to creating a safe and trusting space.
7.1 Commitment to Privacy
All personal information shared during consultations, sessions, written communication, or informal conversations will be treated as confidential.
This includes (but is not limited to):
Personal identifying details
Health and medical information
Family and relationship dynamics
Legal or financial matters
Cultural, spiritual, or religious beliefs
Advance care planning discussions
Emotional disclosures and life stories
Information will not be disclosed to third parties without your explicit consent, except where required by law.
7.2 Legal & Ethical Limits to Confidentiality
Confidentiality may be lawfully limited in circumstances including:
If there is a serious and imminent risk of harm to you or another person
If there is disclosure of abuse or neglect involving a child
If required by a court order or legal obligation
If mandatory reporting laws apply
Where possible, we will seek to discuss any necessary disclosure with you before action is taken.
7.3 Record Keeping & Data Security
Brief session notes may be kept to ensure continuity of care and professional accountability.
Records are stored securely using password-protected systems and/or locked physical storage.
Only authorised access is permitted.
Records are retained in accordance with applicable Australian privacy legislation, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Electronic communications (email, messaging, online meetings) are conducted using reasonably secure platforms; however, no digital system can be guaranteed 100% secure.
Clients may request access to their personal records, subject to legal limitations.
7.4 Online & Telehealth Confidentiality
For online meetings:
Clients are encouraged to attend sessions from a private space where they feel safe to speak openly.
We use reputable online platforms with security features enabled.
We cannot guarantee confidentiality if sessions are attended in shared or public environments.
7.5 Collaboration with Other Providers
With your written consent, we may communicate with other health professionals, palliative care teams, aged care staff, or family members to support coordinated care.
Only relevant information will be shared, and always with your knowledge and permission unless legally required otherwise.
7.6 After Death
Respect for confidentiality continues after death. Personal information, stories, and private disclosures remain protected and will not be shared without prior consent from the client or authorised next of kin, except where legally required.
We recognise that trust is sacred in end-of-life work. Confidentiality is not simply a legal obligation, it is an ethical commitment to dignity, autonomy, and care.
8. Client Responsibilities
To ensure safe, respectful, and effective support, clients agree to:
8.1 Provide Accurate Information
Clients agree to provide accurate and up-to-date information relevant to their care. This includes:
Health status and medical updates
Changes in diagnosis, hospital admissions, or discharge
Risk factors that may affect safety
Relevant legal arrangements (e.g., advance care plans, powers of attorney)
Key family or decision-making dynamics
Incomplete or inaccurate information may affect our ability to provide appropriate support.
8.2 Maintain Respectful Communication
Clients and family members agree to engage in respectful communication at all times. Abusive, discriminatory, aggressive, or threatening behaviour toward the practitioner will not be tolerated.
We reserve the right to pause or terminate services if safety, dignity, or professional boundaries are compromised.
8.3 Inform Us of Changes in Circumstances
Clients agree to notify us promptly of any changes that may affect services, including:
Changes in care setting (home, hospital, hospice, aged care)
Changes in decision-makers or next of kin
Financial hardship affecting payment arrangements
Changes in contact details
Clear communication supports continuity, responsiveness, and ethical practice.
9. Limitation of Liability
The Liminal Companion provides supportive, non-medical end-of-life services. Services may include emotional support, presence, advocacy, planning assistance, and practical guidance.
We:
Do not provide medical, nursing, or clinical care
Do not offer legal or financial advice
Do not make medical decisions on behalf of clients
All medical decisions remain the responsibility of the client and their qualified healthcare providers.
We are not liable for:
Clinical outcomes
Medical treatment decisions
Acts or omissions of hospitals, aged care facilities, palliative care teams, or other third-party providers
Delays or disruptions outside our reasonable control
To the extent permitted by law, total liability for any claim arising from services provided is limited to the amount paid for those services.
Nothing in these Terms excludes rights under the Australian Consumer Law, where applicable.
10. Changes to Services
End-of-life circumstances can change quickly. Care plans may be reviewed and adjusted collaboratively to reflect evolving needs, preferences, and practical realities.
We reserve the right to modify, pause, or discontinue services where:
Safety concerns arise
Ethical boundaries are compromised
Payment arrangements are not upheld
The scope of requested support falls outside our professional role
Where possible, any changes will be communicated clearly and respectfully, with reasonable notice provided.
11. Website Use
All content on The Liminal Companion website is provided for general informational and educational purposes only.
Website content:
Does not constitute medical, legal, psychological, or therapeutic advice
Should not replace consultation with qualified professionals
Is not intended to diagnose, treat, or manage medical conditions
Use of this website does not establish a client-practitioner relationship until services are formally agreed upon.
We make reasonable efforts to ensure information is accurate; however, we do not guarantee completeness (the website might not include every possible detail someone wants or needs.) or currency (information may become outdated (for example, fees, laws, service availability, or external resources may change).
12. Governing Law
These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Victoria, Australia.
By engaging services with The Liminal Companion, you agree that any dispute, claim, or matter arising out of or in connection with these Terms or the services provided will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria.
Nothing in this clause limits any rights or remedies available under applicable Australian consumer protection legislation.
13. Contact
The Liminal Companion
stacey@theliminalcompanion.com.au
For questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, privacy, or service agreements, please contact us in writing.