Lyla Lindsey
Hospice care in Australia is part of the country's palliative care system, which aims to provide patients with the best quality of life until they die. While most palliative care services are free, there may be some costs associated with hospice and hospital care. These charges can vary depending on the patient's state or territory, their location, and the type of care they need. The Australian government subsidises residential aged care services for older Australians who can no longer live in their own homes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of care | Hospice care, palliative care, residential aged care |
| Availability | Available in a variety of settings, including at home, in a hospice, hospital, or residential aged care home |
| Cost | Most palliative care services are free, but there may be some costs associated with hospice and hospital care. Charges vary depending on the state/territory, location, and type of care. |
| Payment options | Carer Payment and Carer Allowance are available for eligible carers who are unable to work or provide extra daily care. |
| Environment | Homely, with items from home allowed. Visiting hours are generally flexible, and some units offer space for overnight stays. Facilities may include lounges, televisions, kitchens, meditation rooms, internet access, and gardens. |
| Care team | A specialist palliative care doctor manages medical care, along with other specialists and the patient's GP. Patients can continue seeing other healthcare professionals like counsellors, nurses, or social workers. |
| Advance care planning | Patients can document their preferences in an advance care directive, respecting their wishes and ensuring they are followed. |
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What You'll Learn
Hospice vs hospital care
Hospice care and hospital care are two distinct types of medical care with different goals, philosophies, and environments. The decision to choose between the two depends on the patient's needs, preferences, and values. Here is a detailed comparison between hospice care and hospital care:
Goals and Philosophies:
Hospice care focuses on providing comfort, pain management, and enhancing the quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses. It employs a palliative approach, aiming to relieve suffering and improve well-being. Hospice care is often associated with end-of-life care and is initiated when curative treatments are no longer effective or desired by the patient. In contrast, hospital care centres around acute medical treatment, diagnosis, and intervention. The primary goal of hospitals is to diagnose, treat, stabilize, and help patients recover from acute or chronic conditions. While hospitals are involved in all stages of illness, from prevention to acute care, hospice care is typically focused on the end-of-life journey.
Treatment Approach:
Hospice care utilizes a palliative approach, which means it focuses on relieving symptoms and enhancing the patient's comfort and quality of life. Hospice care teams provide direct support, counselling, and emotional support to both the patient and their family. They may also assist with accessing community resources. Hospitals, on the other hand, utilize aggressive medical interventions, including surgery, chemotherapy, intensive care, and specialized treatments. The approach in hospitals is often curative or aimed at managing diseases.
Settings and Environments:
Hospice care is typically provided in the patient's home or a hospice facility, offering a familiar and comfortable setting. Hospices are designed to feel homely, and patients can bring personal items to make their stay more comfortable. Hospices may have facilities like lounges, kitchens, meditation rooms, gardens, and spaces for family members to spend time with the patient. In contrast, hospitals are medical institutions equipped with advanced technology, surgical suites, and specialized equipment for complex medical care. Hospitals provide 24/7 monitoring and lifesaving equipment, making them a more expensive option.
Duration and Frequency of Care:
Hospice care is usually long-term and ongoing, focusing on end-of-life care. Patients entering hospice care are expected to have a prognosis of less than six months and have often decided to forgo lifesaving medications. Hospital care, on the other hand, can vary in duration depending on the patient's condition and treatment plan. Patients are typically discharged from the hospital once they are stable and well enough to continue their recovery at home or in a rehabilitation facility.
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Palliative care units
Some hospices have a small number of rooms within a hospital, while others might be part of a residential aged care home. Most palliative care units offer single rooms, but this is not always the case.
The Australian Government subsidises residential aged care services for older Australians who can no longer live in their homes. In 2021–22, 4,800 people were appraised as requiring palliative care, accounting for 2.0% of all people in permanent residential aged care.
Palliative care is provided by government agencies, as well as private and not-for-profit bodies, in many healthcare settings. These include specialist inpatient and community-based palliative care services.
While most palliative care services are free, there may be some costs associated with hospice and hospital care. Charges can vary depending on the state/territory, geographical location, and type of care.
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Carer payments
In Australia, palliative care can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in a hospice, or in a hospital. Hospice care is typically considered when staying at home is no longer an option. While most palliative care services are free, there may be some costs associated with hospice and hospital care. These charges can vary depending on factors such as the state or territory, geographical location, and the type of care required.
For those providing care for someone with a disability, a medical condition, or an adult who is frail, there are carer payments available to help with living costs. Carer payments are financial support payments from the Australian government to assist with the basic costs of living for those providing full-time care. To be eligible for carer payments, certain rules must be met by both the carer and the person being cared for.
Carer Allowance is a payment of $159.30 every fortnight, with an annual Carer Supplement of $600 paid in July. There are different rates for single and partnered people. To be eligible for Carer Allowance, the person being cared for must require ongoing daily care for at least 12 months or have a terminal medical condition. Additionally, the carer should not be employed, enrolled in education, or volunteering for more than 25 hours a week.
Carers can also receive support and information from various organisations, including government-funded and not-for-profit groups. These organisations can provide assistance and resources to help families and carers in their roles. It is recommended that carers first consult with the medical team or palliative care team to understand the specific needs and requirements of the person they are caring for.
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Residential aged care homes
Hospice care in Australia can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in a hospice, or in a residential aged care home. While most palliative care services are free, there may be some costs associated with hospice and hospital care. These charges can vary depending on the state/territory, geographical location, and type of care required.
The fees and charges for residential aged care homes are determined by the resident's financial situation and are broken down into three main areas:
- Basic Daily Care Fee: This fee is the same for all residents and covers day-to-day living costs such as meals, cleaning, facilities management, and laundry. It is not means-tested and is currently set at 85% to 89.15% of the standard full aged pension, which equates to $63.82 per day or $23,294.30 per year.
- Means-Tested Care Fee: This fee is calculated based on a resident's income and assets, including their home if they own one. It is an additional contribution towards the cost of personal and clinical care. The fee is different for everyone, and not everyone will have to pay it.
- Accommodation Costs: Some residents may need to pay accommodation costs, depending on their means assessment. This includes residents without low means status who pay the agreed room price.
It is important to note that additional services, such as hairdressing, pay TV, specialised menus, or custom fittings, may incur extra fees that are not subsidised by the government. These fees are negotiated directly with the aged care facility.
The Australian Government's Schedule of Fees and Charges for Residential and Home Care is updated quarterly, and the basic daily care fee also changes every March and September in line with increases to the age pension.
To determine the specific fees payable, individuals can use the Income and Means Assessment Tool provided by Services Australia. This tool helps assess an individual's financial situation, including income, assets, and home ownership, to determine the applicable fees for residential aged care.
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Advance care planning
Hospice care in Australia can be free under the palliative care system, but there may be some costs associated depending on the state or territory, location, and type of care. Palliative care affirms life and aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their families, neither hastening nor postponing death.
The first step in advance care planning is to understand the specific requirements of one's state or territory. Forms and requirements for advance care directives, or formal plans outlining one's preferences, vary across Australia. These documents can be added to one's My Health Record and shared with loved ones and healthcare providers. It is important to keep these directives up to date and distribute the most recent version to ensure that the most current preferences are followed.
In the advance care planning process, individuals may also appoint a substitute decision-maker. This person will make medical decisions on their behalf if they lose their decision-making capacity. Additionally, a support person can be designated to aid in decision-making if an individual's capacity is reduced. These preferences are not legally binding but can provide valuable guidance to the substitute decision-maker.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospice care in Australia is not entirely free. While the Australian government subsidises residential aged care services for older Australians who can no longer live in their homes, there may be some costs associated with hospice and hospital care. These charges can vary depending on your state/territory, geographical location, and the type of care you are seeking.
Hospice care, also known as palliative care, is a specialised form of care for individuals with life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on improving the quality of life for both patients and their families and aims to provide a calm, welcoming and comfortable environment.
Hospice care can be provided in various settings, including standalone facilities, rooms within hospitals, or as part of residential aged care homes. You and your family can decide on the setting that best suits your needs and preferences.
It is recommended to discuss the available options with hospice staff and your doctor. They can advise you on the different possibilities and help you make arrangements based on your specific circumstances and requirements.
