Many people say they would prefer to be cared for and die at home. Some indicate they want to be cared for at home but wish to spend their final days in a hospice or hospital. There are people whose preferred place of care and place of death is in a hospital or hospice. Others who may be in a hospital or hospice, may ask to go home to die.
Home can have different meanings for people. For older people, an aged care facility may be their home and where they want to be cared for rather than in a hospital. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people going home to country is important. Being at home may not be as important for some people as being able to be with family or friends.
During the course of their illness, people may spend time in hospital or hospices for specific treatments to help them control symptoms or to improve functioning. They may then return home.
Sometimes people can die unexpectedly and not where they had anticipated or planned.
Importantly people’s preferences and choices can change over time. Given these realities there may need to be continuing discussions about what is the best place for care. These discussions need to look at what care supports are available in any location.
Being cared for at home requires family or friends who can provide hands on care and support. Having more than one person who can help with care makes it easier to continue staying at home. Carers also need to be able to make their wishes regarding the place of care and their capacity to care known without being judged. They may also not feel comfortable discussing their needs in front of the person who is ill. Without a carer, home care can be difficult.
Circumstances may make a change in the place of care unavoidable. If this happens, make sure that all health professionals are aware of the person’s condition, their wishes and those of their family carer. Ask health professionals what is happening if things seem to be changing, or when unsure of any arrangements.
Related CareSearch pages
Dying at home
This page was created on 26 May 2009 and is due for review in May 2011