The End-of-Life Pathway began 1st November 2025. The pathway supports older people who have been diagnosed with 3 months or less to live, have poor functional ability and wish to remain at home. This pathway is part of the Support at Home program. It includes $25,000 over 12 weeks. Below are the most recent resources available:
- Your guide to the End-of-Life Pathway (Download here)
- End of Life fact sheet for Doctors and Nurse Practitioners (Download here)
- End of Life Pathway Form (Download here)
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I get linked to the End-of-Life Pathway?
- Once the End-of-life form is completed, it is then submitted via the Aged Care Portal as a high priority. This then triggers an alert in the system for an urgent assessment. Anecdotally, reports of a 48-hour turn around for approval have been reported but may vary.
- For existing Support at Home participants, once the approval decision is received, their service provider can instigate agreed additional services.
- For new Support at Home participants, the same process occurs regarding the End-of-Life form and high priority request. However, once the approval decision is received, the participant needs to find a provider and if not executed previously, complete an income and assets assessment.
Do I need to complete an income and assets assessment to work how much I have to contribute?
- Contributions cover the cost of independence (personal care from a support worker – bathing, toileting, getting dressed) and everyday living (home cleaning, meal preparation), while clinical support (general nursing, physiotherapy) is free. Specialist Palliative Care Services may be required in addition for complex issues which is covered by Medicare.
- If a person already receives a full or part pension from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), then their existing income and assets information will determine the contributions.
- For a person new to the aged care system, such as a self-funded retire, then an Aged Care Income and Assessment form needs to be completed, and Services Australia will then notify the person of costs prior to services commencing. A person can choose not to complete the income and asset assessment but will be charged the maximum costs.
Are there any other alternatives for help at home for someone who is deteriorating?
- NSW Health fund Out of Hospital End-of-Life Packages. They are available to individuals who are in the deteriorating or terminal phase of a life-limiting illness. These EoL packages are available for 6 weeks but can be repeated depending on the assessed needs of the patient. These packages provide non-clinical care such as personal hygiene and domestic assistance and are available in most Local Health Districts. Referrals can be made in hospital prior to discharge or when receiving out-patient or community services. Info Sheet: The Out of Hospital Care Program Information for Local Health Districts (LHDs)