The positive news is that most palliative care at home in Australia is government-funded and for people in the final months of life, a dedicated funding pathway can put significant support in place quickly, often with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
This article explains what palliative care at home costs, what is covered under government programs, and what to expect if you are arranging private support.
What does palliative care at home include?
Palliative care at home is a range of services designed to support comfort, dignity and quality of life for a person with a life-limiting illness, while enabling them to remain in their own home.
It can include clinical support such as nursing visits, pain and symptom management, and allied health services like physiotherapy or occupational therapy. It also includes personal care, such as help with showering, dressing and taking medications, as well as practical everyday support like cleaning, meal preparation and transport to appointments.
Importantly, palliative care at home also includes support for family carers, including respite care to give carers time to rest.
How much does palliative care at home cost?
The answer depends on how care is funded. Most palliative care at home is accessed through government programs, where clinical services are fully covered and other services may involve a small contribution.
Government-funded palliative care: what you pay
Under Australia’s Support at Home program, clinical palliative care services, including nursing, pain management and allied health, are fully government funded. You pay nothing out of pocket for these services.
For Independence and Everyday living services (such as domestic assistance), you may be asked to make an income-tested contribution. This is assessed based on your financial situation and is capped to ensure it remains affordable. Many people on a pension pay the lowest amount.
The End-of-Life Pathway: up to $25,000 in dedicated support
For people assessed as having an estimated life expectancy of three months or less, the Support at Home program includes a dedicated End-of-Life Pathway. This provides:
- Up to $25,000 in care funding over a 12-week period
- Extendable to 16 weeks if funding remains available
- Clinical services included at no cost
- A fast-tracked approval process so care can begin quickly
This funding replaces any other Support at Home funding the person may have been receiving during this time.
DVA palliative care: what veterans are entitled to
Veterans and war widows holding a DVA Gold Card are entitled to fully funded palliative care at home through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, including nursing, personal care and community nursing services. There is generally no cost for Gold Card holders.
White Card holders may be covered for palliative care related to their accepted conditions. It is worth contacting DVA or a care provider to confirm what applies in your situation.
Private palliative care: what does it cost without government funding?
If a person is not eligible for a government program, or if care is needed immediately before funding is approved, private palliative care at home is available. Costs vary by provider and service type, but as a general guide:
- Registered nursing visits typically cost between $180–$230 per hour
- Personal care support generally ranges from $80–$120 per hour
- Overnight or 24-hour care can cost $400–$900 per day depending on the level of clinical support required
Some private health insurance policies include a benefit for in-home nursing or palliative care. It is worth checking your policy, as benefits vary widely.
How to access government-funded palliative care at home
To access the End-of-Life Pathway through Support at Home, a person must be 65 years or older (or 50 or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), have a doctor or nurse practitioner confirm an estimated life expectancy of three months or less, and have the certifying clinician confirm the person is in bed more than 50% of the time.
Once this is in place, an aged care assessment can be requested urgently by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422, applying online at myagedcare.gov.au, or by asking a GP, nurse practitioner or home care provider to assist.
If the person is already receiving Support at Home services, their provider can request an urgent review rather than a new assessment. You do not need to already be receiving aged care services to access this pathway. It is designed so urgent support can be put in place when it is most needed.
What if palliative care is needed for longer than 16 weeks?
The End-of-Life Pathway can only be accessed once. If a person’s care needs continue beyond 16 weeks, ongoing Support at Home services can continue. A care review would be arranged to ensure the right level of support remains in place.
Frequently asked questions
How much does palliative care cost per day in Australia?
For government-funded care, clinical services are free. Independence and Everyday Services may involve a small income-tested contribution. For private care, daily costs typically range from $400 to $900 for overnight support, or lower if you only need a few hours of visiting care.
Is palliative care at home free in Australia?
Clinical palliative care, including nursing and allied health, is fully funded under Support at Home. You may make a contribution toward personal care and domestic services depending on your income.
What does palliative care at home cost without government funding?
Nursing visits generally cost $180-$230 per hour privately. Personal care support typically ranges from $80-$130 per hour. Costs vary by provider and location.
Can I get palliative care at home if I haven’t previously accessed aged care?
Yes. You do not need to be an existing aged care recipient to access the End-of-Life Pathway. It is designed to allow urgent care to be arranged even for people who have never used government services before.
How long does it take to get palliative care at home approved?
The End-of-Life Pathway is a high-priority, fast-tracked process. With a doctor’s certification in place, approvals can generally be arranged within days. Speaking to a care provider early can help speed this process.
Can family carers get support too?
Yes. The End-of-Life Pathway includes support for family carers, including access to respite care so carers can take time to rest. Emotional support and counselling services may also be available.
Palliative care at home across Queensland
Envigor provides palliative care support to older Australians across Queensland, including Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Cairns, Townsville, Ipswich and the Darling Downs.
Our local care teams work alongside families, GPs and hospital discharge teams to arrange care quickly and compassionately, including helping you navigate the End-of-Life Pathway if that is the right option.
If you would like to talk through what support is available, contact your nearest Envigor team or call 1300 368 446.
