16 Jun 2025

How to Get Started with Palliative Care at Home

Feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin when it comes to caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this journey without support. Palliative care at home can provide comfort, dignity, and peace, not just for the individual, but for the whole family. 

In Australia, an increasing number of people are choosing to receive palliative care in the familiar surroundings of home. In fact, nearly 70% of older Australians say they’d prefer to age in place—to stay in their own homes, surrounded by the people and things they love most. At Lumia Care, we’re here to help make that possible with compassion, clinical expertise, and real partnership. 

Step 1: What Does Care at Home Really Look Like? 

Palliative care is about relieving symptoms, supporting quality of life, and providing emotional and spiritual comfort. At home, this support is provided by a team of nurses, carers, and allied health professionals working alongside families to meet evolving needs. 

Unlike acute hospital care, home-based palliative care honours what matters most: familiarity, autonomy, and control. 

Step 2: Making a Care Plan That Reflects Their Wishes 

A good palliative care journey starts with a great plan. At Lumia Care, we guide you through the creation of a tailored, flexible care plan that can evolve as your loved one’s condition changes. Together, we consider: 

  • Medical and symptom management (pain, nausea, fatigue) 

  • Emotional and spiritual wellbeing

  • Cultural or personal preferences 

  • Practical needs: nutrition, hygiene, mobility, rest 

A collaborative team—including the individual, their family, GP, specialist clinicians, and your Lumia Care coordinator—ensures everyone is aligned and supported. 

Step 3: Creating a Comfortable, Calm Space at Home 

To feel truly safe and comfortable, small changes in the home can make a big difference. Things to consider include: 

  • Comfortable, accessible furniture or beds 

  • Mobility aids or equipment (Lumia can help organise these) 

  • Quiet, peaceful spaces for rest and connection 

  • Medication storage and routines that are easy to manage 

  • Emergency response plans or overnight monitoring, if needed 

We take a holistic view—making sure that the home isn’t just safe, but feels like a sanctuary. 

Step 4: Finding the Right People to Walk This Path With You 

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right palliative care provider. You’ll want a team that’s not only skilled and responsive, but deeply empathetic and respectful. 

At Lumia Care, our nurses and carers are specially trained in complex symptom management, emotional support, and palliative protocols. Just as importantly, we listen. We honour your loved one’s wishes and support you through every decision—no judgment, no pressure. 

Step 5: Because Families Need Support Too 

Palliative care touches everyone in the family. That’s why we offer: 

We help ease the emotional load, so you can focus on connection and care. 

Why Palliative Care at Home Matters 

By 2050, more than a quarter of Australians will be over 65—and the vast majority of them will want to stay home as long as possible. Yet navigating this stage of life can be stressful and unclear. Our job at Lumia Care is to make it clear, kind, and manageable. 

Ready to Begin? 

Choosing palliative care is an act of love. With Lumia Care, it’s one backed by expertise, compassion, and respect. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you set up personalised, trustworthy care at home—so every moment ahead can be as comfortable, meaningful, and peaceful as possible. 

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