Palliative Care and Hospice in Australia

Palliative care and hospice care in Australia focus on comfort, quality of life, and support for people with life-limiting illness. These services aim to relieve pain and symptoms, provide emotional and practical support, and assist families before and after death. Palliative and hospice care can be provided at home, in hospital, aged care, or specialist facilities.

Palliative Care and Hospice in Australia – What You Need to Know

When someone is living with a serious or life-limiting illness, families often hear the terms palliative care and hospice care — sometimes without a clear explanation of what they mean.

This guide explains what palliative care and hospice care are in Australia, how they work, when they are provided, and how families can access support. It is designed to help Australians understand care options before death, so decisions can be made with clarity and confidence.

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is specialised medical care focused on comfort and quality of life, not cure.

It aims to:

• Relieve pain and physical symptoms
• Provide emotional and psychological support
• Support families and carers
• Help people live as well as possible for as long as possible

Palliative care can be provided:

• At any stage of a serious illness
• Alongside curative treatment
• For weeks, months, or longer

Receiving palliative care does not mean giving up.

What Is Hospice Care?

Hospice care is a form of palliative care typically provided:

• When a person is approaching the final stages of life
• When treatment is no longer focused on cure
• When comfort and dignity are the primary goals

Hospice care may be provided:

• In a hospice facility
• At home
• In residential aged care
• In hospital settings

Hospice care focuses on end-of-life support, rather than ongoing illness management.

Palliative Care vs Hospice Care – Key Differences

Although related, they are not identical.

Palliative care:

• Can begin at diagnosis
• May run alongside treatment
• Focuses on symptom relief and quality of life

Hospice care:

• Usually provided near end of life
• Focuses on comfort and dignity
• Often involves a multidisciplinary care team

Both services support patients and their families.

Who Provides Palliative and Hospice Care in Australia?

Care is provided by multidisciplinary teams that may include:

• Doctors and nurses
• Allied health professionals
• Social workers
• Counsellors
• Pastoral or spiritual care providers
• Volunteers

Care teams work together to address physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

Where Is Palliative and Hospice Care Provided?

In Australia, care can be delivered in different settings, depending on needs and preferences.

Common settings include:

• At home, with community support
• Hospitals, through specialist palliative units
• Residential aged care facilities
• Hospice centres

Many Australians prefer care at home when possible, supported by visiting teams.

When Should Palliative Care Begin?

One of the most common myths is that palliative care is only for the final days of life.

In reality:

• Palliative care can begin early
• Early involvement often improves comfort and support
• It can reduce unnecessary hospital admissions
• It helps families plan ahead

Early conversations about care preferences are encouraged.

What Support Does Palliative Care Provide?

Support may include:

• Pain and symptom management
• Medication coordination
• Emotional and psychological support
• Assistance with decision-making
• Support for carers and family members
• Guidance on advance care planning

Care is tailored to individual needs.

How Is Palliative and Hospice Care Accessed?

Access usually occurs through:

• A GP referral
• Hospital referral
• Specialist medical teams
• Aged care providers

Public palliative care services are available in all states and territories, though availability may vary by location.

Private services and charitable organisations may also provide care.

Is Palliative Care Free in Australia?

Many palliative care services are:

• Funded through the public health system
• Provided at low or no cost to patients

However:

• Some private services may charge fees
• Home care equipment or additional services may incur costs

Families should ask providers about costs and funding options.

Support for Families and Carers

Palliative and hospice care recognise that illness affects more than the patient.

Support for families may include:

• Education about what to expect
• Emotional and grief support
• Respite care
• Practical assistance
• Bereavement support after death

Families are considered part of the care unit.

What Happens After Death?

After death occurs:

• Medical staff confirm the death
• Families are given time and support
• Next steps are explained clearly
• Funeral planning does not need to be rushed

👉 Learn more:

What Happens When Someone Dies in Australia

How Palliative Care Connects With Funeral Planning

Palliative care and funeral planning are separate — but connected.

Early understanding of end-of-life care can:

• Reduce stress for families
• Allow wishes to be documented
• Support smoother transitions after death

👉 Learn more:

Funeral Planning Australia

Common Myths About Palliative and Hospice Care

“Palliative care means death is imminent.”

No. It can be provided for long periods.

“Hospice care means no medical support.”

False. Medical care continues, focused on comfort.

“You can’t choose where care happens.”

Often, preferences can be accommodated.

“Families are left on their own.”

Support continues before and after death.

How eziFunerals Supports Families Along the Journey

eziFunerals supports Australians by:

• Providing clear, non-commercial information
• Helping families understand next steps
• Connecting end-of-life care with funeral planning education
• Supporting informed, calm decision-making

👉 Plan ahead with confidence

Frequently Asked Questions About Palliative and Hospice Care

Is palliative care only for cancer?

No. It supports people with many serious illnesses.

Can palliative care be provided at home?

Yes. Home-based care is common when appropriate.

Does hospice care mean stopping all treatment?

It means shifting focus from cure to comfort.

Is palliative care available in rural areas?

Yes, though availability may vary.

Does palliative care include support after death?

Yes. Bereavement support is often provided.