8. Place of death

Supporting people to receive care and die in their preferred place requires consistent open communication, health literate information, and access to relevant services and equipment. Consideration of the care setting and whether the clinical needs of the person can be met should interface with systems to prevent or minimise unnecessary hospital admissions. If home is the preferred care setting, consideration of availability of community health and support services to meet the person and their family and carer’s needs is important.

Action

Processes are in place for identified and embedded local pathways which support people to:

• identify their preferred place of death
• be cared for in the place of their choosing (where it is safe and feasible to do so)
• die as close to home as possible, if this is the preference.

Regular assessment of the appropriateness of the preferred setting is also encouraged.

Evidence

Assessment of needs and planning for place of death is important in respecting the wishes of the person with life-limiting illness, their family and carers.

Considerations and resources

Assessment of the person’s needs, preferences and values; family and carer capacity to provide care; and availability of an appropriate and safe environment, services, resources and equipment to provide care should be undertaken.

Risk screening and assessment needs to be considered and issues addressed for any children or other vulnerable people living in the household.

Facilitate or refer to appropriate in-home support programs and ensure liaison with the person’s general practitioner or primary healthcare provider regarding their role and availability in after-hours care.

Aboriginal liaison officers or palliative care Aboriginal health workers may assist with enabling Aboriginal people to be supported to die on ‘Country’, where possible and if desired. Multicultural health workers can provide advice on cultural considerations and requirements, including burial timeframes.