In your own home

If asked, many people say they want to die at home. This may be because they want to be around familiar surroundings and people.

Learn more about:

• What kind of support is available?
• Can you change your plan?
• Key points about dying at home

What kind of support is available?

While this option is not for everyone, if you do want to be at home, support is available. This may vary from a few hours a week, to a few hours a day, to 24-hour care (although 24-hour care involves high additional costs). You may have to modify your surroundings (e.g. handrails) or buy special equipment (e.g. shower chairs).

Your GP, nurse, palliative care specialist or palliative care nurse practitioner can help you arrange this support. They can suggest services to manage symptoms such as pain or breathlessness. They can also teach carers how to assist with day-to-day activities such as bathing and eating.

Even if you live alone, with planning, you can stay as long as possible in your own home. Visit myagedcare.gov.au for more information and to see if you are eligible for government-subsidised support services.

Some carers may find having you nearby easier. It may mean that they don’t have to travel, or fit in with a hospital or palliative care routine. Caring for someone who is dying at home can be a meaningful experience, but it can also be challenging.

You can decide at any stage to change your mind about staying at home and explore other options. If you are planning to stay at home until the end, talk to your GP or palliative care team about ways of dealing with unexpected medical events.

For more on this, see Caring for someone nearing the end of life.

Key points about dying at home

• Being cared for in a familiar environment, surrounded by people you know, may help your emotional wellbeing.
• You can spend more time with family and friends, as there are no visiting hours.
• Depending on your situation and preferences, your family and friends can be at your side at all times.
• Being at home may offer more flexibility to maximise your quality of life.
• It may feel more natural and less clinical, while still giving you access to expert medical advice and symptom control.
• It allows you a sense of control over the last part of your life.
• Your family and friends may find comfort in providing most of your care.
• A range of services can give you and your carers help and support. Keep a list of phone numbers handy for when you need advice and support.
• After death, family and friends can grieve at their own pace and decide when to call the ambulance or funeral home.

→ READ MORE: In a palliative care unit

Podcast: End-of-Life Care at Home

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