Care at home should reflect your wishes, whether that means familiar surroundings, quiet time, favourite routines or having the people you love nearby. You do not need to discuss everything at once. Take the time and communication support you need to talk about what matters to you.
You can record preferences about visitors, privacy, cultural or spiritual practices and whom you want involved in decisions. If you are helping a family member, give them space to share their own wishes. Revisit these conversations as needs and preferences change.
Talk with your doctor or nurse practitioner and My Aged Care about assessment for the End-of-Life Pathway. The official pathway information explains eligibility and high-priority assessment. The pathway works alongside palliative care.
Your treating team provides medical advice, symptom management and clinical care. Everyday help at home can be arranged around that care, with clear responsibilities for each provider.
A written plan can save you and your family from having to explain the same details at each visit. Agree on the support you need and keep the plan somewhere easy to find. Include:
Choose who you would like to help organise services and receive updates. Keep the relevant names and phone numbers together, where you and those supporting you can find them.
Ask your treating team for a plan explaining what to do if your needs change or urgent help is required. Contact the appropriate clinician for advice about symptoms or medicines.
If you are caring for someone at home, talk openly about what you can manage and when you need a break. Help with meals, laundry or cleaning can give you more time to be together. Agree with the provider which household tasks will be covered and when.
Nursing and other clinical care should be planned separately with the treating team. Our respite guide explains another support option to discuss if you need time away from caring.
Ask your provider to explain the planned visits, prices and how changes will be arranged. Our funding and contributions guide can help you prepare for that conversation.
Choice can discuss its available everyday home support. This information guide does not confirm that Choice delivers the End-of-Life Pathway, nursing or specialist palliative care. Arrange those services with your care team and the appropriate providers.
Explore all aged care and Support at Home guides
Contact Us to talk about everyday support at home.
Information reviewed: 26 October 2026.
The pathway is for eligible older people who wish to receive care at home near the end of life. Eligibility includes age requirements and confirmation from a doctor or nurse practitioner of a life expectancy of three months or less and an Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS) score of 40 or lower. An aged care assessment is also required. Your treating team can explain these criteria and help you understand the official eligibility guidance.
No. It provides additional support at home alongside palliative care. Your treating team remains responsible for medical advice and symptom management. The official pathway guide explains how the services work together.
Speak with your doctor, nurse practitioner or care team. You or someone helping you can also call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to ask about a high-priority assessment.
Tell your team about the routines, people and comforts that matter to you. You can ask for help recording your wishes and sharing them with the people you choose. If you are a family member or carer, ask how you can support those wishes and explain where you need help.
Follow the individual contact plan agreed with your treating team, including arrangements outside usual hours. Keep these details close by. Contact a clinician about changes to symptoms or medicines; in a medical emergency, call 000.
