Palliative Care at Home: A 2026 Guide
Palliative care at home guide: what it involves, how the Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway funds it, and how to arrange support with dignity.
What palliative care at home means
The team around you
The End-of-Life Pathway
What the funding can cover
Other ways palliative care is funded
How to arrange it
Supporting the family
Frequently asked questions
What is palliative care at home?
It is comfort-focused care for someone with a serious, life-limiting illness, delivered in their own home. It manages symptoms and pain, helps with daily needs, and supports emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing — for the person and their family — so they can live as well as possible.
How is palliative care at home funded?
Several ways. The Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway provides up to $25,000 over 12 weeks (extendable to 16) with no waitlist. Community palliative care through state health services, your GP and Medicare, and existing home care services also contribute, often at little or no cost.
Who can access the End-of-Life Pathway?
People assessed as having a short prognosis (around three months or less), with declining function, who wish to remain at home. Eligibility is assessed by a doctor or nurse practitioner, and you do not need to already be receiving Support at Home services to access it.
What support is there for carers?
Respite, counselling and practical help are part of good palliative care. Carer Gateway (1800 422 737) offers free carer support and counselling. Arranging respite early helps prevent carers becoming overwhelmed during an intense and emotional time.