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End-of-Life and Palliative Care at Home: Supporting Dignity, Comfort and Choice
FOCUS Connect • 19 April 2026
For many people, being at home brings comfort, a sense of normality and connection to family and surroundings. Staying in familiar places can reduce stress, maintain routines, and give people a stronger sense of control over their daily lives. Home care also allows family members to be close during this meaningful time together.
However, home may not be the right choice for everyone. It depends on the person’s medical needs, the availability of care support, and the capacity of family or paid carers to assist. Discussing preferences early with care providers and loved ones can help families make the best decision for themselves.
This guide explains what support can look like, how it works, and how families can prepare for this important stage of life.
Understanding End-of-Life and Palliative Care at Home
Palliative care support focuses on improving the quality of life for people living with a life-limiting illness. It aims to relieve pain and other symptoms, while also supporting emotional, spiritual and practical needs. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness and can occur alongside other treatments.
End-of-life care is a part of palliative care. It generally refers to care provided in the final months, weeks or days of life, when the focus shifts primarily to comfort and quality of life rather than cure.
For many families, home is where comfort feels most natural. The sights, sounds and routines of daily life can offer reassurance and calm. End-of-life care at home allows a person to remain in a familiar space, maintain personal routines where possible, and be surrounded by loved ones without the clinical feel of a hospital environment.
What Is the End-of-Life Pathway?
The End-of-Life Pathway is a funding stream available under the Support at Home program through My Aged Care. It is designed to provide urgent, short-term support for seniors who are approaching the final stage of life and wish to remain at home.
If approved, the End-of-Life Pathway provides:
- $25,000 in funding
- Over an initial 12-week period
- With the option to continue for up to 16 weeks total if funds remain
While you are on the End-of-Life Pathway, this funding will replace any other funding you receive through My Aged Care during that time.
Will Families Need to Contribute Financially?
The End-of-Life Pathway is part of the Support at Home program. This means you may need to pay a contribution for some services, especially those that support your independence and everyday living. The amount you pay depends on your personal situation.
There is no cost for clinical support. Services such as nursing care are fully covered by the Australian Government, so you won’t be charged for these supports.
If you would like personalised assistance in understanding your options or arranging services, contact an
approved My Aged Care provider today to discuss the right support for your needs.
Who Is Eligible for the End-of-Life Pathway?
To qualify, you must be:
- 65 years or older, or
- 50 years or older if you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
In addition, a doctor or nurse practitioner must complete the End-of-Life Pathway form confirming that:
- The person has an estimated life expectancy of 3 months or less, and
- They are in bed more than 50% of the time (this is measured as a score of 40 or below on the Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Status scale).
The End-of-Life Pathway can only be accessed once, so it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements.
How to Begin the Application Process
When circumstances are urgent, knowing the steps can reduce stress.
Step 1: Medical Confirmation
A GP or nurse practitioner completes the End-of-Life Pathway form confirming prognosis and functional status.
Step 2: Request an Urgent Assessment
Access can be requested by:
- Contacting My Aged Care
- Applying online
- Visiting an Aged Care Specialist Officer at a Services Australia centre
- Asking a healthcare professional to request an assessment
If the person is already receiving Support at Home services, their provider can request a priority review to fast-track the process.
Step 3: Assessment and Approval
An aged care assessor confirms eligibility through the national Single Assessment System. If approved, a Notice of Decision and support plan are issued.
Step 4: Activate Services
Once approved, services can begin quickly through the chosen provider.
Planning for End-of-Life Care at Home
Planning for end-of-life care at home is a deeply personal decision. For many families, home offers familiarity, comfort, and dignity during a challenging time. With thoughtful preparation, you can create a supportive environment that honours personal wishes while managing medical and practical needs.
Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you prepare.
Start the Conversation Early
Talking about preferences for end-of-life care before it becomes urgent can relieve stress later. It’s helpful to involve family, friends and healthcare providers in these discussions. Advance care planning lets you document your wishes and appoint someone you trust to make decisions if you are no longer able. This may include preferences about where you want to be cared for and which treatments you want or don’t want.
Arrange Medical and Hospice Support
Contact palliative care or hospice services early. These teams provide visiting nurses, doctors, and aides who focus on comfort, symptom control, and emotional support. They help manage pain, nausea, breathlessness, and confusion while guiding families on what to expect.
Identify a Primary Carer
Choose one main person to coordinate care and communicate with the medical team. This reduces confusion and helps maintain consistency. Make sure the caregiver has backup support to avoid burnout.
Prepare the Home Environment
Create a calm, comfortable space. Set up a hospital bed if needed, improve lighting, remove clutter, and keep essential supplies nearby. Small adjustments can greatly improve safety and comfort.
Organise Equipment and Medications
Work with healthcare providers to arrange necessary items such as a bedside commode, pressure-relief mattress, oxygen equipment, and prescribed medications. Having everything ready prevents unnecessary stress.
Support the Carer
Caring at home can be physically and emotionally demanding. Arrange respite care, accept help from friends or family, and consider counselling or support groups to protect the caregiver’s wellbeing.
Complete Advance Care Documents
Gather important documents including wills, insurance policies, bank details, and property information. Keeping paperwork organised makes future decisions easier for loved ones.
Respect Emotional and Spiritual Needs
Encourage open conversations about wishes and preferences. Provide access to spiritual care, music, quiet time, or cultural practices that bring comfort and peace.
Final Thoughts
End-of-life care at home is about comfort, connection and choice. With the right supports in place, seniors can spend their final weeks or months with loved ones in familiar surroundings. Starting conversations early, planning ahead and accessing available resources can make the journey more peaceful and manageable for everyone involved.
If you or someone you love is considering end-of-life care at home,
contact us today to understand what support is available.
FOCUS Connect, a registered not-for-profit charity, provides practical assistance and support services to disadvantaged and marginalised individuals. As a My Aged Care provider, we offer Support at Home and Commonwealth Home Support Programme services across South West and Northern Sydney. Additionally, we are a leading provider of community services to multicultural and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) populations across South West Sydney.
Need Support or Know Someone Who Does?
If you need support, call us at 02 4627 1188 or contact us via our online enquiry form, and we will get back to you shortly to discuss your needs and how we can assist you. If you know someone who could benefit from our services, refer them to FOCUS Connect to help them receive the support they need and deserve.
