New aged care act brings improved palliative care, experts cautiously optimistic
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The Australian government has announced a significant expansion of home care support for older citizens, particularly those nearing the end of life. The new End-of-Life Pathway will provide up to $25,000 in additional aged care support at home during the final three months of life under the Support at Home Program.
While the initiative has been welcomed by advocacy groups, experts are calling for clarity on its implementation. Professor Meera Agar, Chair of Palliative Care Australia (PCA), described the entitlement as “generous” and responsive to their advocacy efforts. However, she emphasised the need for more details on the policy’s rollout.
“The new pathway recognises that people who are closer to the end of their life have greater needs and require specific investment to allow them to stay at home,” Professor Agar stated. “It also recognises that 90% of Australians say they want to be cared for at home, with appropriate supports.”
Key concerns raised by PCA include the potential limitations of tying funding to a three-month prognosis, the need for a simple and flexible application process, and questions about service accessibility in rural and regional areas where staffing challenges persist.
The government has also introduced new aged care legislation to parliament, which aims to make palliative care a core responsibility for aged care providers. This move aligns with recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission.
Professor Agar noted the importance of these reforms in preventing unnecessary hospitalisations. “If the home care or residential aged care systems can’t respond, then inevitably older Australians who are dying end up in hospital needlessly and against their end of life wishes,” she explained.
While the focus on aged care for older Australians is clear, Professor Agar highlighted an ongoing issue: “Another issue we’ll keep raising with government are the needs of people under 65 who require 24/7 care within a health facility.”
PCA remains committed to working with the government on these reforms. Prof. Agar concluded: “We have found the Government to be constructive partners in all the related health and care reforms, and PCA will continue to play an active role in future consultation and parliamentary processes.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
