Staying home to die is not a dream but a reality

I n 2013 the desire to die at home became a more realistic goal for Tasmanians with the introduction of the hospice@HOME project, funded by the Commonwealth Government as part of the 'Better Access Palliative Care Program'. Tasmania's dispersed population of rural and remote communities is ideally situated to provide evidence based results which can be replicated in other states and territories. The project to date has delivered 880 packages of care and it is envisaged that over 2000 will be delivered over the life of the project hospice@HOME has been at the forefront of identifying gaps in service that impede people achieving their wish to die at home. The gaps can be varied, from lack of equipment, support workers and clinical support hours.  Filling the identified gaps in service by using an evidence based approach hospice@Home aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The project is currently working with 38 organisations across the state to deliver individualised patient directed care. Care coordi nation enables the delivery of consistent in-home care across the state through a systematic and partnership approach. This is achieved through collaboration across varying health and care providers with a mutual goal to promote an individualised patient approach to complicated issues and challenges.