Care in hospital or residential aged care facility

There is support available in Queensland if you choose to receive care at the end of life at home. However, staying at home is not always possible.

You may need care at a hospital, inpatient palliative care unit or residential aged care facility for one or more of the following reasons:

• symptom management – assessment, monitoring and nursing care can be provided to manage symptoms such as severe pain and nausea
• complex needs – your medical or other needs may become complex and specialist care is more easily available 24 hours a day in an inpatient facility
• respite – you may be admitted to a respite care facility for a few days or weeks so that your family or carer can have a break. You can return home after respite care
• as the end of life approaches – you or your carer may decide that it is not possible for you to be cared for properly at home as you approach the end of your life. 

Inpatient palliative care units

Inpatient palliative care units (sometimes known as ‘hospices’) support you when you can no longer get the care you need at home. People often spend their final days in inpatient palliative care units, but not always—sometimes you can return home after an admission.

To ensure you are as comfortable as possible, inpatient palliative care units may:

• allow you to bring in personal items from home, such as photos, pillows and blankets
• have less limits on visiting hours than a hospital
• encourage your family and friends to spend time with you and help with your care if they choose
• provide space for a family member or friend to stay overnight
• have facilities such as gardens, lounges, televisions, music players, kitchens, meditation rooms and internet access
• offer single rooms.

Some palliative care units may have a small number of rooms within a hospital complex, while others will be a stand-alone facility.

A specialist palliative care doctor will manage your medical care along with other specialist palliative care health professionals including nurses and social workers, as well as your GP. Staff can also provide information and support for your family and carers.

Care at the end of life in public hospitals

You can receive care and support related to your terminal or life-limiting condition at all public hospitals in Queensland. This can be for temporary admissions to manage symptoms or complex needs, or may be for the last days of your life.

Some people receive care from specialist palliative care health professionals, who work in many of Queensland’s major public hospitals. They work together with your other healthcare providers, including your GP and community services, to assess and manage your palliative care needs. 

If you are spending the last days of your life in a Queensland public hospital, staff will ensure you are as comfortable and supported as possible. Expert medical, nursing, emotional and spiritual support will be available for you and your family and carers. Your family and friends will be able to spend time with you, and you will be able to stay in a private room where possible.

Care at the end of life in private hospitals

Some private hospitals across Queensland have dedicated palliative care units, day hospitals or outpatient services. If you have private health insurance, talk with your health insurance company about your options. The specialist palliative care staff in a private hospital will work with your community palliative care team. 

You may choose to stay in hospital even if you are given the option of returning home. You may feel safer and more comfortable in hospital, or simply feel like less of a burden on your family. Talk further with your health insurance provider and your family and healthcare team about your options.

Palliative care in residential aged care facilities

Depending on your needs, you may need to relocate into a residential aged care facility. Here you will get the longer-term care you need, as well as managing your end of life care needs. 

Care at the end of life in residential aged care facilities is delivered using a palliative approach. A palliative approach to care considers and meets all aspects of the person’s and their family’s physical, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual. It emphasises comfort and quality of life and involves a team approach to care.

Residential aged care facilities sometimes have a doctor or specialist nursing staff. The community palliative care service in your area can also provide specialist care and consultation to residential aged care staff. 

To relocate into residential aged care you will need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team. Find more information about aged care in Queensland.

Getting a referral

If you require admission to a palliative care unit or consultation by a hospital palliative care service, you will need to obtain a referral. Most specialist palliative care services require a referral from a doctor; however, different services have specific procedures. Speak to your healthcare team or GP for information and support.

More information

Find more information about what to expect:

• when you are admitted to hospital
• when preparing for and having surgery
• with waiting lists for specialist outpatients and elective surgery.