Most people imagine end of life care can only be accessed in a care home, hospital or hospice. However, with proper planning, you can receive palliative care at home surrounded by the comfort of your family, close friends and most loved possessions.

Why choose palliative care at home?

Palliative care is typically given when a person is terminally ill and/or are nearing end of life. It provides a holistic approach to care and treatment, involving the management of physical pain and symptoms, ongoing medical treatment, social and psychological support and sustaining quality of life.

In-home palliative care provides the same specialist support and care as any other palliative care, only you can stay in the environment you know best surrounded by those you love. Dependent on individual circumstances, in-home palliative care usually involves a collective team of nurses, GPs, CAREGivers and sometimes spiritual or social workers.

At Home Instead, we focus on the comfort and wellbeing of our clients, as well as their family and carers. Our professional CAREGivers can be there during this difficult time to provide practical support if and when you need it, from a little as two-hours per day where possible to 24-hour care.

As part of our personalised palliative care plans, we offer a range of hands-on personal and home care services to ensure you and your loved ones are fully supported and as comfortable as possible. Our compassionate CAREGivers can also act as a supporting companion, offering your family emotional support, comfort, social interaction and activities (such as reading) to suit your wishes.

A dying at home care plan requires plenty of advanced planning to ensure the right preparations are put in place. You can download our free Dying at Home guide, which was designed to support people, families and carers plan for end of life at home.

We understand that talking about end of life can be daunting. In light of Dying to Know Day, we encourage Australians to talk about the future and share their personal wishes with family and friends. This day is about starting important conversations with those we love, understanding our options and making informed choices about end of life care.

When it comes to getting the most out of palliative care and making the right decisions for yourself or a loved one, it is important to fully understand all of the options available to you. To learn more about palliative care at home, please visit www.homeinstead.com.au/services/palliative-care or contact your local Home Instead office for more information today.