This week marks National Palliative Care Week and with today being International Nurse's day, it's a time to pause and reflect on how we care for those approaching the end of life.

In the most tender moments of life, when time slows and every heartbeat feels sacred, you deserve care that’s guided by love, dignity, and your deepest wishes.

At BCD, we are honoured to walk alongside you and your loved ones during the profoundly personal journey of end-of-life and palliative care. Here, you lead the way. Your values, your voice, and your comfort are at the heart of everything we do.

Every journey is unique. Some are quiet, others are filled with stories and laughter, but all carry the weight of love, loss, and courage.

Our dedicated nurses don’t just provide clinical nursing support, they hold space, offer comfort, and ensure that each final moment is honoured with tenderness and deep respect.

Recently, the passing of one of our customers truly hit home. She spent her final hours where she wanted to be, at home, wrapped in the love of her family, with a BCD nurse by her side.

Her death left a quiet ache within our team, but then came the family’s words,
“Mum’s final wishes were realised and honoured at home.”

That message brought tears to our eyes. It reminded us, with breathtaking clarity, why we do what we do.

We are not just providing care, we are walking hand in hand with families through one of life’s most emotional passages. And we are so deeply grateful to do it together, with people who trust us in their most vulnerable moments.

This is the heart of BCD. This is why we show up, for dignity, for compassion, for care that does not end.

For many older Australians and their families, the wish to pass away at home in familiar surroundings, with loved ones close, is deeply felt. But making that possible, both practically and emotionally, can feel overwhelming.

The good news? More support is coming.

In this blog post, you can skip to a section by clicking on the links below:

What Is the End of Life Pathway?

From 1 July 2025, a new End of Life Pathway will be introduced as part of the federal government's new Support at Home program which will be replacing existing aged care Home Care Packages.

This pathway is specifically designed for older people who have been diagnosed with less than three months to live and who wish to remain at home during their final stage of life.

It offers up to $25,000 in additional funding over a three month period (with a 16 week usage window for flexibility) to help cover the extra services and support that may be needed.

The goal is simple but powerful: to support comfort, dignity, and connection during this most precious time.

Why Passing at Home Matters

Many older Australians say they'd prefer to spend their final days at home.

There's something deeply comforting about being surrounded by your own space, your own memories and your family and friends. It brings a kind of peace that clinical settings often can't match.

What Kind of Support Is Available?

The End of Life Pathway includes the same types of services offered under the broader Support at Home program, but with additional funding and flexibility for the final months.

This may include:

Personal care (bathing, dressing, toileting)
Help with meals and household chores
Transport and respite care
Clinical nursing support at home

Nurses play an incredible role in supporting people at home, particularly during palliative care.

Under the new program, clinical nursing support is fully subsidised, this includes wound care, medication management, skin care, symptom monitoring, and more. It means your loved one can receive professional, compassionate care at home, without the added financial stress.

Additional separate funding may also cover:

Assistive technology (e.g. walkers, pressure cushions)
Minor home modifications (e.g. grab rails, ramps)

Specialist palliative care, such as pain and symptom management will continue to be provided through state and territory health services.

The End of Life Pathway is there to complement that care with daily, practical support.

How Do We Access This Support?

Accessing the End of Life Pathway is designed to be as straightforward and timely as possible.

Eligibility Criteria:

A medical professional (GP or nurse practitioner) confirms an estimated life expectancy of less than 3 months.

The person has a frailty score of 40 or less on the Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Status scale.

How to Get Started:

If your loved one is already receiving Support at Home: ask for a high-priority Support Plan Review.
If they're not yet in the system: contact My Aged Care (1800 200 422) to request a high-priority aged care assessment.
The assessor will work with you to determine eligible services, develop a support plan, and connect you with a provider.
The funding up to $25,000 can then be used for services across that final 3 month window.

What If We're Feeling Unsure?

You're not alone.

Caring for someone at the end of life, especially at home, can feel overwhelming. But with the right support, you don't have to carry it all.

Many families find strength in having a clear plan, trusted professionals on hand, and the knowledge that they're honouring their loved one's wishes.

How Do We Start the Conversation?

Talking about end of life care can feel hard, even when we know it's important. But it's one of the most loving things we can do.

You might gently begin with:

"Have you ever thought about where you'd want to be if your health started to decline?"
"Would staying at home feel right for you?"

From there, involve a trusted GP or nurse. They can help explain options and guide the process.

Need Help?

Having these conversations early gives everyone more time, time to plan, time to make decisions together, and time to feel prepared.

If you need help with transitioning to the Support at Home program or have questions about palliative or nursing care at home, please don't hesitate to contact the BCD aged care team. We're here to help.

If you'd like to learn more about the new Support At Home program, you can read out Support At Home guide or find answers with our FAQ Support at Home FAQ page.

A Gentle Closing Thought

Palliative Care Week is a timely reminder: a peaceful passing is just as important as a good life.

Thanks to the new Support at Home program, more older Australians will be able to choose to pass away at home, surrounded by comfort, love, and dignity.

And for the families walking that path alongside them - you're not alone. Support is here when you need it.

Sources:

My Aged Care Helpline: 1800 200 422

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/support-at-home-program-handbook?language=en

https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home

https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/case-studies-support-at-home?language=en

Support At Home website: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/features

Support At Home Booklet For Older People, Families and Carers

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/support-at-home-program-booklet-for-older-people-families-and-carers?language=en

health.gov.au/support-at-home-ongoing-services

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we encourage you to visit the relevant government websites for the most up-to-date and official information.

Supporting Loved Ones to Pass At Home, the End of Life Pathway Explained