A Simple Guide to Planning Palliative Care at Home
As we get older or face serious illness or disability, it’s important to feel safe, supported, and surrounded by the people and things we love.
Many Australians, especially baby boomers, are choosing to stay at home rather than go into a hospital or full-time care. That’s where In-Home Care Services step in to help and provide exactly what’s needed and preferred during a particularly sensitive time.
If you're thinking about setting up palliative care at home in Wagga Wagga, this guide will walk you through the basics, from the benefits of in-home care to the steps involved in creating a personalised care plan.
We’ll also explain how an approved aged care provider in Wagga Wagga can support families during this time.
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care is special support for people living with a serious illness, disability, or nearing the end of life. It’s about making the person feel as comfortable, happy, and peaceful as possible physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Naturally, many people want to spend this time at home, rather than in a hospital or aged care home. Thanks to in-home care services, this is now easier than ever to organise.
Why Choose Home Care Services for Palliative Care?
There are many reasons why families in Wagga Wagga are choosing palliative care at home, especially for their parents or loved ones who are part of the baby boomers aged care group.
The Benefits:
Comfort in Familiar Surroundings
Being at home helps people feel relaxed and in control. They can sleep in their own bed, eat their favourite meals, and be near their pets, garden, family photos, and treasured items.Emotional Support
Having family close by makes a huge difference. You can talk, laugh, or just sit together without the hustle and bustle and impersonal feeling of a hospital.Personalised Care
With the help of in-home care services, you get care that suits your needs, such as help with showering, taking medicines, or just having someone to talk to.Lower Risk of Infection
At home, there’s less risk of catching other illnesses, especially if your immune system is already weak.More Affordable in Many Cases
With proper planning, staying at home and hiring in-home Aged Care Service Providers can be cheaper than long hospital stays or aged care facilities.
Planning For Palliative Care with Home Care Services: Step-By-Step
Setting up palliative care at home doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s a simple guide for families in Wagga Wagga:
1. Talk About the Person’s Needs and Goals
Sit down with your loved one and ask questions like:
What matters most to you during this time?
Do you want to stay at home?
What kind of help do you need during the day and night?
Make sure you include their doctor or nurse in these chats. It’s also a good idea to speak with a registered aged care provider in Wagga Wagga who can guide you through your options.
2. Choose the Right Home Care Services
Look for accredited aged care service providers who:
Understand how to care for people nearing the end of life
Offer services like nursing, personal care, meals, and companionship
Are based in Wagga Wagga and know the local community
Can give regular updates and make changes if needed
For Baby Boomer Aged Care, some providers also offer tech support like video calls with doctors or family, which helps loved ones stay involved and connected even if they live far away.
3. Make a Personalised Care Plan
With the provider’s help, write down a clear plan that includes:
What medications are needed and when
What kind of daily help is needed (meals, cleaning, bathing)
Emotional or spiritual support (like talking to a chaplain or counsellor)
What to do if the person’s condition changes suddenly
What support is available for the family and carers
This plan should be flexible and reviewed regularly.
4. Get the Right Equipment and Supplies
Some people might need special equipment to stay comfortable at home. This could include:
A hospital bed
Wheelchairs or walkers
Oxygen machines
Pain relief tools like pumps or patches
Incontinence products
In-home-based aged care service providers can help organise these and show you how to use them safely.
5. Support for Family and Carers
Caring for someone you love can be rewarding, but also tiring. That’s why services like respite care exist. It allows carers to take a short break to recharge while someone else steps in to help.
In Wagga Wagga, many approved aged care service providers offer respite services, and also connect you with local support groups or counselling services.
6. Understand the Financial Side
Palliative care at home may be partly covered by:
In-Home Care Packages (HCP) from the Australian Government
The NDIS, if disability is involved
Private health insurance
Local or state-based supports
Talk to your in-home aged care provider in Wagga Wagga. They’ll help you check what funding you can get and help you apply for it.
How Can Home at Heart Help?
At Home at Heart, we understand how tough this time can be. That’s why our team of compassionate carers offers personalised, professional help every step of the way.
We Offer:
Experienced Palliative Care Teams
Trained carers who know how to manage symptoms and provide emotional support.Tailored Home Care Services
From helping with meals to keeping the house clean and tidy, we take care of the little things so you can focus on what matters most.Local Knowledge
As a trusted in-home Aged Care Provider in Wagga Wagga, we know the community and local resources to give you the best support possible.Family-Focused Support
Whether it’s helping carers take a break or teaching family members how to help, we’re here for everyone involved.
Conclusion: A More Peaceful Path Forward
Planning for palliative care at home might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right support, it can be a peaceful and meaningful time for the whole family.
Thanks to local in-home aged care service providers and organisations like Home at Heart, families in Wagga Wagga don’t have to go through this alone.
If it’s for yourself, a parent, or someone you love, remember there is help available, and there are people who care.
With the right plan, you can create a calm, comforting space at home, full of love, dignity, and support.
FAQs
Why is home care different from hospital care?
In-home care offers more personal support, less stress, and fewer risks (like infections), while letting you stay in your own space surrounded by loved ones.
What is the role of an in-home aged care provider in Wagga Wagga?
They help create your care plan, provide services like nursing or cleaning, and guide you through funding options available in your local area.
Can palliative care at home be funded?
Yes! There are funding options like Home Care Packages (soon to be combined with Support at Home) or private health insurance. Your provider can help apply and manage the funding.
How can families stay involved?
Families can help with daily care, join planning chats, and use respite services to rest when needed. Many providers also offer carer support programs.