Death is not a topic that families generally discuss in depth around the dinner table consequently, for many families they do not have a clear understanding about their loved one’s wishes until it is too late. Thus, there comes a time when the question must arise “What would you prefer to happen and where would you like to be when you pass away?”

Despite our unfamiliarity of the subject, 70% of Australians wish to die at home. That’s a lot of Australians! Regardless, many people do not realise they can choose to die at home, rather they imagine it is beyond their control and they will pass away in either a nursing home or hospital.

We have choice until the very end of life.

Understandably it can seem a little uncomfortable to bring the subject of death up with your loved one, however planning ahead will ensure you are both as comfortable and content with the situation as you can possibly be. There are measures you can take to ensure you have an informed and reassuring plan in place to stay at home until the very end, surrounded by those who love and care for you dearly, with the right care, support and assistance. But, planning in advance is a must.

Home Instead offers specialised, personal, compassionate, comforting and supportive palliative care, giving you and your family choice until the end. A plan that has been personalised to your loved one will be established to ensure your loved one is comfortable and has all the assistance and care they need, and most important of all, their wishes respected.

Home Instead CAREGivers can help with:

  • Personal care
  • Emotional support
  • Companionship
  • Housekeeping
  • Grooming and dressing
  • Linen changes
  • Respite for family caregivers.
  • Comfort and social interaction or activities such as reading, and more.

Having a professional CAREGiver on hand can also be reassuring to family members, knowing they do not have to perform the CAREGiving role alone, especially at a time when they may simply want to preserve their role as the daughter, husband, sister, or whatever their relation may be to their loved one maybe. After all, it is also important to take care of yourself and your own emotions too. We appreciate this is a sensitive and emotional time, which is why we provide CAREGivers who we would trust with our own family; caring, compassionate, reliable, professional and of course quality trained. Someone who truly understands your personal needs and wishes.

It can seem scary to have an end-of-life care plan in place, but it will aid you in putting aside those added anxieties and allow you to focus on what really matters; being with your loved one during this time and allowing them to die with dignity.

You can download our Dying at Home resource book to read more information and help you to reach an informed decision you are comfortable with. If you would like to discuss care management plans, palliative care and other care services, please contact our friendly team today.