Palliative care is specialised care for people with serious or terminal illnesses. The support focuses on providing relief from symptoms, pain and stress of a serious illness and improves quality of life.

While some people receive palliative support as an inpatient in a hospice or hospital. Palliative care at home is the choice of most people, who want to stay in their home where they feel most comfortable.

Palliative care at home can involve:

  • Personal care, such as assistance with bathing, showering, dressing and toileting.
  • Continence care, which that is changing a pad, managing a stoma and catheter.
  • Medication supports – including prompting or administering medication.
  • Support with pain management
  • Assisting to mobilise around your home
  • Light Household tasks such as dusting, vacuuming changing the bed or doing the laundry.
  • Preparing meals and washing up afterwards.
  • Caring for your pets
  • Collecting prescriptions and food shopping