End-of-Life Care at Home: Options, Support and Funding
End of life care at home: the Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway, specialist palliative care, the care team, and how to support someone to stay at home.
What end-of-life care at home involves
The Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway
Specialist palliative care
The care team around the person
Equipment and comfort at home
Support for family and carers
Planning ahead with dignity
Frequently asked questions
Is there funding to care for someone at home at the end of life?
Yes. The Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway, which began in November 2025, provides faster, higher funding, indicatively around $25,000 over about 12 weeks, for people with roughly three months or less to live who wish to stay home.
Does aged care funding replace palliative care?
No. They work together. Specialist palliative care through the health system manages symptoms and medical needs, often at no cost, while Support at Home funding covers the personal and practical care that keeps someone comfortable at home.
Who is in the care team at home?
Usually a GP, community palliative care nurses, aged care workers for personal care and domestic help, and allied health such as occupational therapy for comfort and equipment. Family and friends are supported as part of the team, not left alone.
What support is there for the family?
Respite can give carers a break, Carer Gateway offers counselling and support on 1800 422 737, and palliative care teams support families as well as the patient. Reaching out early helps everyone cope during a demanding time.