Where can I have palliative care?

You can have palliative care in different places, including:

• your own home
• at a residential aged care facility or other out-of-home facility
• in a hospital
• at a specialist palliative care unit (hospice).

An important role for the palliative care team is to work out the best place for your care. The team will consider your care needs, your home environment, your support networks, and what organisations and individuals are available in your area to help you, and then discuss the possibilities with you, your family and carers.

You and your family may be able to choose where you want to receive palliative care. You may be able to move between these places as your needs change.

Many people want to receive care at home because it is a familiar environment close to family and friends. If you are cared for at home, you (and anyone who cares for you) may be able to receive community-based palliative care services. This can include a range of services on an occasional or regular basis.

Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to stay at home, even with home help. Hospitals and palliative care units are designed for short-term stays, usually for people nearing end of life.

If you cannot return home and need care for several months or more, the palliative care team will talk to you and your carers about where you can receive ongoing care, such as a residential aged care facility.