End-of-Life Pathway

The End-of-Life Pathway, part of the Support at Home program, provides additional services and funding for older people with a life expectancy of three months or less, supporting dignity, comfort and care at home with their families.
It is designed for older people who have been advised by a doctor or nurse practitioner that they may have three months or less to live, and who wish to spend this time at home.

This pathway provides extra services and funding to ensure that both the person and their family receive the right care when it matters most. It is intended to provide higher levels of funding for home care services such as personal care, domestic assistance and general nursing care.

The End-of-Life Pathway provides:

• Additional funding: up to $25,000 over three months, with 16 weeks to use the funds.
• More flexibility: services that can be tailored to individual needs quickly and compassionately.
• Access to assistive technology and home modifications: such as hospital beds, equipment, or adjustments that bring comfort and safety.
• Extra support for families and carers: so they feel confident and supported while providing care at home.

The End-of-Life Pathway helps:

• Older people to remain at home: in a safe and familiar environment, connected to loved ones.
• Provide choice and dignity: with services that respect individual wishes.
• Ease the emotional and physical pressure on families: by giving carers extra help and support.
• Ensure the best possible quality of life: with care that focuses on comfort, wellbeing and connection.

Around $25,000 is available per participant over a 12-week period.

If a participant still needs services after 12 weeks, they may:

• continue using the budget up until the 16-week mark, if funding is still available
• access unspent Home Care Package funds, if available
• work with Huon Regional Care to request a Support Plan Review to move to an ongoing Support at Home classification.

1. Medical confirmation: A doctor or nurse practitioner must confirm:
   • an expected life expectancy of less than 3 months, and
   • a mobility or frailty score, Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Status, of 40 or less.
2. Support Plan Review: An aged care assessor will fast-track a review of the current Support Plan. This avoids the need for a new, comprehensive assessment at a difficult time.
3. Approval: If eligible, the person will move into the End-of-Life Pathway and funding will be made available immediately.
4. Care arranged with Huon Regional Care: Services, equipment and supports will be planned to provide comfort and dignity at home.

At Huon Regional Care, this stage of life is approached with compassion and respect. The team provides:

• Clear guidance to help families understand available options.
• Culturally sensitive support, tailored to the individual’s background and wishes.
• Assistance for carers, ensuring they are not alone in their role.
• Coordination with health professionals to deliver the highest quality care at home.

The End-of-Life Pathway can only be accessed once.

If a person lives longer than expected or their health improves, they will return to the Support at Home classification that matches their needs.

If needs change again, a new assessment can be requested.

We can guide you through the steps to assist in accessing the right support for you or your loved one.