Dignity at Home: Accessing the End-of-Life Pathway with Support at Home

Starting 1 July 2025, the Support at Home program will introduce a dedicated End-of-Life Pathway to provide urgent, short-term support for older Australians who have been given a prognosis of fewer than three months to live and prefer to stay in their own homes. This important reform acknowledges the wishes of many Australians who value comfort, dignity, and the presence of family during this sensitive time.

Key Elements of the End-of-Life Pathway

• Who Can Access It:
  Older adults must have their condition formally assessed by a GP or nurse practitioner, confirming they are expected to live less than three months and have a Karnofsky Performance Score (AKPS) of 40 or lower, indicating a high level of frailty.
• How the Funding Works:
  Eligible individuals can receive up to $25,000 over a 12-week period (with up to 16 weeks to use the funding in full if needed).
• Services Available Through the Pathway:
  This funding can be directed towards Support at Home services such as:
  • In-home nursing
  • Personal and respite care
  • Domestic tasks and transport
  • Social support
  • Assistive technology (if home modifications were in progress prior to joining the pathway)
• How It Works With Existing Health Services:
  The End-of-Life Pathway provides additional in-home aged care. Specialist palliative care (e.g., pain management and end-of-life planning) will continue to be provided by state-funded health services such as the NSW Health Palliative Care Team.

Transitioning from Home Care Packages

For clients already receiving care under a Home Care Package, the move to Support at Home will be smooth and uninterrupted. Palliative care services currently in place will continue, with the End-of-Life Pathway offering extra flexibility and increased support at a critical time.

What It Means for Central Coast Clients

• No Break in Support:
  Existing health and palliative services delivered by NSW Health will remain in place.
• Extra Help When It’s Needed Most:
  Clients on the End-of-Life Pathway will receive an additional $25,000 in aged care services to improve quality of life and support their wish to remain at home.
• Team-Based Care Planning:
  Our team at Home Care Assistance will coordinate with family members, medical providers, and specialist palliative services to deliver seamless and compassionate care.

Accessing the End-of-Life Pathway

• Step 1: Medical Evidence
  A medical practitioner must complete the End-of-Life Pathway Form confirming the client’s eligibility.
• Step 2: Assessment & Approval
  • Existing participants can access the Pathway via a high-priority Support Plan Review once the form is submitted.
  • New participants will undergo a fast-tracked aged care assessment to determine eligibility and services.
• Step 3: Creating a Personalised Plan
  After approval, a care plan will be tailored to the client’s needs. Regular reviews will help ensure the services continue to meet evolving care needs.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

The End-of-Life Pathway is available for a maximum of 16 weeks. Participants can only access it once. If their health improves or they live longer than expected, they will:

• Resume their previous Support at Home classification, or
• Receive a new classification that reflects their updated care needs.

This process ensures care is always aligned with individual requirements.

Home Care Assistance – Supporting Central Coast Families

At Home Care Assistance Central Coast, we are dedicated to walking alongside our clients and their families with kindness, clarity and compassion. Whether you need help navigating My Aged Care, arranging clinical support, or planning sensitive end-of-life services, we’re here for you. Contact our team today!