Care in other settings
When care at home isn't suitable
You may need care at a hospital, inpatient palliative care unit, hospice 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—medical or other needs may become complex, and specialist care is more easily available 24 hours a day in an inpatient facility
- short break care—admission to a respite care facility for a few days or weeks may be necessary so that family or carers can attend to their own care needs. Returning home after respite care is possible
- end-of-life care—it may be decided that it is not possible to be cared for properly at home as the end-of-life approaches.
In Queensland, support is available if you choose to receive palliative care at home. However, staying at home is not always possible.
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).
Palliative care units and hospices
Inpatient palliative care units and hospices can support you when you can no longer get the care you need at home. Some people with serious illnesses also choose to spend their final days in inpatient palliative care units and hospices. Some hospices provide services in the home.
For your comfort, 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 healthcare professionals including nurse practitioners, nurses and social workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, speech therapists, and pharmacists.
Some units offer chaplaincy, spiritual care, and music and art therapy. Information and support are also available for families and carers.
Public hospitals
You can receive care and support for a life-limiting illness at any public hospital in Queensland. This can be for temporary admissions to manage symptoms or complex needs or may be for the last days of life.
For those spending the last days of 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.
Private hospitals
Some private hospitals 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.
Choosing care in a private hospital may mean staying in hospital even if you are given the option of returning home. You may feel safer and more comfortable in hospital or think it easier for your family. Talk further with your health insurance provider and your family and healthcare team about your options.
Residential aged care facilities
Palliative care within residential aged care is compassionate and holistic. It addresses the physical, emotional, social, cultural, and spiritual needs of person and their family. Comfort and quality of life is emphasised.
Residential aged care facilities may have GPs with palliative care qualifications, specialist nursing staff, or access to specialist palliative care services to ensure continuous care. Community palliative care services also provide specialist care and consultation to support residential aged care staff.
To move into residential aged care, you will need to be assessed by the Aged Care Assessment Team. Find more information about aged care in Queensland.