13 May 2026

National Palliative Care Week 2026: Supporting Comfort, Dignity and Care at Home

From 10–16 May 2026, Australians will recognise National Palliative Care Week — a national campaign dedicated to raising awareness about palliative and end-of-life care, and encouraging important conversations about comfort, care, and quality of life. This year’s theme, “Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers.”, focuses on helping Australians better understand palliative care and feel more confident accessing support when it’s needed. 

For many older Australians and their families, conversations about serious illness and future care can feel emotional and overwhelming. But understanding what support is available can provide reassurance, comfort, and peace of mind during a difficult time. 

At Lumia Care, we believe everyone deserves compassionate care that honours their wishes, respects their dignity, and supports them to remain where they feel safest and most comfortable — at home. 

What is Palliative Care? 

Palliative care is specialised support for people living with serious, progressive or life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on improving quality of life by managing pain, symptoms, and emotional wellbeing, while also supporting families and carers.  

Importantly, palliative care is not only for the final days or weeks of life. Many people receive palliative care much earlier in their illness journey, often alongside medical treatments or other ongoing care. The goal is to help people live as comfortably, independently, and meaningfully as possible. 

Palliative care can include nursing support, symptom management, personal care, emotional and spiritual support, respite for carers, and assistance with daily living — all tailored around the individual’s needs and wishes. 

What is End-of-Life Care? 

End-of-life care is a specific stage within palliative care that supports people in the final months, weeks, or days of life. 

While palliative care may continue over a longer period of time, end-of-life care focuses on ensuring comfort, dignity, emotional support, and peace during the final stage of life. 

For many older Australians, remaining at home during this time is deeply important. Research shared by Palliative Care Australia shows around 90% of Australians would prefer to receive end-of-life care at home when the right supports are available.  

Being surrounded by familiar people, routines, and memories can provide enormous comfort — both for the person receiving care and for their loved ones. 

Where Can Palliative and End-of-Life Care Be Provided? 

Palliative and end-of-life care can be provided in a range of settings depending on a person’s needs and preferences, including: 

  • In the family home  

  • Residential aged care  

  • Hospitals  

  • Hospices  

  • Specialist care facilities  

Many families choose home-based care because it allows their loved one to remain in familiar surroundings with personalised support tailored to their individual wishes. 

At Lumia Care, we provide both palliative care and end-of-life care in the comfort of home, helping people remain connected to the people, routines, and environment that matter most to them. 

Why Palliative Care Matters More Than Ever 

As Australia’s population ages, the need for quality palliative and end-of-life care continues to grow. According to Palliative Care Australia: 

  • More than 450 Australians die each day from a life-limiting illness and could benefit from palliative care.  

  • Dementia is now the leading cause of death in Australia, accounting for 9.4% of all deaths in 2024.  

  • Australia’s population aged 85 and over is expected to double by 2040, increasing the need for aged care and palliative support services.  

  • While 73% of Australians are open to discussing advance care planning, only one third have formally discussed or documented their wishes.  

National Palliative Care Week encourages families to have these conversations earlier, helping people feel more informed, prepared, and supported. 

How Lumia Care Supports Families at Home 

We understand that facing a life-limiting illness is an incredibly personal journey — one that affects not only the individual, but also the people who love and care for them. 

At Lumia Care, we provide both ongoing palliative care support and specialised end-of-life care for older Australians who wish to remain at home. 

Our palliative care services are designed to support people living with serious or progressive illness by helping manage symptoms, maintain comfort, and preserve quality of life for as long as possible. This support may include nursing care, personal care, respite for carers, emotional support, help around the home, and coordination with healthcare professionals. 

As needs change, some individuals may also become eligible for the Australian Government’s new End-of-Life Pathway under the Support at Home program. This short-term pathway provides additional funded support for older people nearing the final stage of life, helping families access urgent care and practical assistance at home when it matters most. 

From 1 November 2025, eligible individuals can access up to $25,000 in government-funded home care support over 12 weeks, with the option to extend to 16 weeks if needed. 

The End-of-Life Pathway may help cover services such as: 

  • Personal care and hygiene support  

  • Domestic assistance and meal preparation  

  • Nursing and clinical care  

  • Medication and symptom management  

  • Respite for family carers  

  • Assistive technology and mobility aids  

  • Social support and transport services  

Once approved, services can often begin within 24–48 hours, ensuring support is available when it matters most. 

For families, having care at home can make an enormous difference. It allows loved ones to remain in familiar surroundings, maintain routines, and spend meaningful time together with dignity, comfort, and compassionate support. 

At Lumia Care, our role is not only to provide care, but to guide families through what can feel like an overwhelming time — offering reassurance, practical support, and compassionate care every step of the way. 

Compassionate Care When It Matters Most 

National Palliative Care Week reminds us that no family should feel alone when facing palliative or end-of-life care decisions. 

With the right support, people can remain comfortable, respected, and connected to the life they know and love. 

At Lumia Care, we are proud to provide compassionate palliative and end-of-life care at home — helping older Australians and their families navigate this journey with dignity, comfort, and genuine care. 

To learn more about Lumia Care’s palliative care and End-of-Life Pathway services, contact our team or visit our palliative care or end-of-life pages for more information.  

 

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