Setting up for at home palliative care

What you might need for at home palliative care 

Depending on your situation you may need specialised equipment or changes in your home to support at home palliative care. This could be for a long or short period. Talk with your health care team about what might help.

Setting your home up for palliative care may require some minor modifications. Creating a safe and workable space will help in providing care and to keep things more manageable. It will also help you and the person you care for to focus on what matters most to you. Some things to consider are listed here. You and your care team may have others.

Setting up the bedroom

Your palliative care team can help to arrange a hospital bed for your home if needed. Think about where you want the bed. If the bedroom is too far away from the rest of the household or located upstairs, you may want to set the bed up elsewhere. A lighter bed in the living areas might be a solution if the person can move around and use their bedroom at night. Some other tips and things to consider include:

• Installing a bed rail.
• Installing a bed tray that can be positioned for meals and other activities.
• Providing access to a light or lamp that can be easily reached if needed.
• Setting up a call button/bell/pager so that the person can get your attention if needed.
• Access to a personal alarm.
• Placing a chair close to the bed for the person or visitors to use.
• If needed, setting up a bedside commode to make toileting easier.
• Access to personal or comfort items – pillows or special blankets.
• Clearing bedroom of clutter/ furniture and leaving enough room for ambulatory aids/equipment.
  
  

Setting up the bathroom

Bathrooms are a common place for falls to occur. Arranging for easy and safe access to the toilet and bathroom is important. Things you can do include:

• Safety rails in shower
• Shower chair
• A non-slip mat for the shower or bath area
• Safety rails near toilet
• Consider rehanging the door to open outwards so that if a fall happens the door is not blocked
• If access to a bathroom is difficult ask if a portable shower can be arranged.
  
  

Creating a comfortable space

Setting up the area to be comfortable will help the person being cared for to relax and to retain some independence. Try:

• Positioning within easy reach entertainment options such as music, books, or television.
• Provide access to food and drink.
• Provide comfortable cushions and lightweight blankets.
• Adding a bedside table that is easily reached.
  
  

Equipment for home care

Most States and Territories have an equipment fund to help you access what you need. Visit the Services and Support page to learn more for your state or territory:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia