When the time comes, over 70% of Australians say they prefer to die at home, surrounded by their friends and family, but, in reality less than 10 per cent experience that possibility. Home Instead is helping individuals, families and carers overcome this reality this National Palliative Care Week (20th – 26th May) by providing their free resource ‘Dying at Home’ to help people plan for end of life at home.

Palliative care is holistic, supportive care for people with life-limiting illnesses, assisting in the physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care for themselves, their family and friends. Organised by Palliative Care Australia (PCA), the theme of this year’s week is ‘What matters most?’ and addresses the need for Australians to plan for their end-of-life care and discuss it with their loved ones and health professionals to ensure quality of life, up until the end-of-life.

“We know that dying is not an easy subject for many people to discuss with their loved ones,” says Martin Warner, Co-Founder of Home Instead Australia. “Our aim is to help families start having the tough conversations about what matters most. Planning ahead and knowing your wishes ahead of time can alleviate an incredible burden from family and friends and ensure your final days are as meaningful, comfortable and life-affirming as possible.”

Home Instead’s guide provides a wealth of information about palliative care and key considerations should you be unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself. Deciding who will care for you, what support you and your family can access and who you want to make decisions on your behalf are just some of the conversations to have with your loved ones. Dying at Home empowers, informs and educates individuals, families and carers on Advance Care Planning, what palliative care at home entails, how to manage pain, access care management to coordinate your palliative care team and discusses funeral planning and options for loss, grief and bereavement care.

“As a provider of supportive palliative care at home, we have seen first-hand the difference planning ahead can make for everyone involved at their end-of-life and encourage you to take time this National Palliative Care Week to talk about dying and what matters most.”

About Home Instead:

Home Instead is a global network of locally and interdependently operated franchises. It was founded in Nebraska in 1994 by Paul and Lori Hogan. It is now a global home care franchise with offices throughout Europe, Asia and the Pacific. There are currently over 1,000 offices around the globe. Husband and wife Martin and Sarah Warner founded Home Instead in Australia in 2004. It now has a national network of 27 independent offices in Australia with over 2,000 employees and this number is growing. Home Instead’s services include assistance with personal care, light household duties, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transport to appointments, shopping and social outings.

For a free copy of ‘Dying at Home’, visit www.homeinstead.com.au/resources/dying-home