Care at home
About care at home
For many people, palliative care is provided in their home. 'Home' could mean the house you live in, or another place that has personal, cultural or spiritual significance.
Whether you stay at home while having palliative care depends on several factors including:
- the level of care required for your illness or condition
- your home environment
- how much support you have from family, carers or community
- whether someone is at home to care for you.
If you want to stay at home, you may be able to get assistance from family members or you could hire a caregiver to help with day-to-day activities such as bathing, cooking and cleaning.
Palliative care services can help with accessing community nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and social work. Your GP can also refer you, and your family, to the right services.
If you are over 65, contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for information about community and in-home nursing services.
PalAssist has general information and advice about palliative care services in Queensland.
Call 1800 772 273 (free for Queensland residents) or chat online (from 7am to 7pm, 7 days).
Medical aids and equipment
The Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) Palliative Care Equipment Program helps eligible Queenslanders with a life-limiting illness approaching their end stage of life stay at home. The program can supply or lend specific aids and equipment for up to 6 months. Aids and equipment include:
- continence aids
- home oxygen
- daily living and mobility aids.
To learn more about the program, and to check eligibility, visit MASS Palliative Care Equipment Program (MASS PCEP).
Outpatient clinics
You may need to attend a specialist outpatient clinic at your local hospital or health service. In an outpatient clinic, your condition will be assessed by the palliative care team. The team will develop a care plan and work out treatment options suitable for home care.
Appointment frequency is based on your needs.
Afterhours care at home
If you are referred to a specialist palliative care service or community service provider, you will be given advice about who to contact and how to access palliative care support outside of business hours.
For more information about options available in your local area, including telehealth options, talk to your GP, palliative care professional, or healthcare team.
Find out more about afterhours medical help and advice.
When care needs change
While there are a lot of benefits that come with being cared for at home, staying at home may not always be possible. Sometimes you may need more support than what can be provided. Family and caregivers may also need additional physical and emotional support as care needs shift or increase.
Care options such as a hospital, inpatient palliative care service, respite care, hospice or a residential care facility enable individuals and families to negotiate shifting and increasing care needs.
Depending on your circumstances, these care options may be temporary, however, a hospital or specialist palliative care service admission may be needed to address the shift in needs and adjust home-based supports so that care can continue at home.
Emotional support
Find more information about: