Guide to private palliative care at home

If you are considering palliative care at home for a loved one, then it is understandably a stressful and confusing time. Unfortunately, much of the information out there is also confusing, and many mistakenly equate private palliative care with end of life care.

A quick Google search of some of the guides to palliative care will immediately bring up many blogs about end of life care.

However, although end of life care is one of the 5 stages of palliative care, it is not the only aspect to consider.

So in this guide, we aim to cover some of the main questions you may have when considering private palliative care at home and challenge some of the common misconceptions surrounding it.

What is private palliative care at home?

Defined simply, palliative care is a specialist form of care focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Its primary goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and their family, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatment, involving a team of healthcare providers who work together to support comfort and wellbeing.

Although this type of care can be administered in a hospice, hospital or care home, in this blog the focus is on those receiving private palliative care at home. Private palliative care is self-funded palliative care that a person receives in their home. Typically, this will be facilitated by medical professionals, or specialist home care agencies that offer this form of treatment. 

When should someone be offered palliative care at home?

Determining when your loved one should receive palliative care at home involves looking for signs that prioritise their comfort and quality of life over intensive medical interventions.

If they’re experiencing unmanaged pain, frequent hospital visits, or find more comfort in a familiar setting, it may be time to consider home-based palliative care.

Open communication with healthcare providers can also help in assessing their needs, so they receive compassionate, holistic support tailored to their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

Here are some of the other considerations to bear in mind:

If remaining at home will positively impact your loved one’s health

A large part of private palliative care at home is safeguarding a person’s mental and emotional health. This is where private palliative care at home can be especially useful.

Receiving palliative care in an environment they are comfortable in can help seniors feel less lonely and isolated.

Early stage treatment and care

If your loved one is in the early stages of their palliative care treatment, they may not need to be in a hospital or hospice. The early stages of palliative care treatment usually involves developing a care plan, emotional preparation and basic pain management. Most of the time, these types of treatment can take place within a person’s own home.

If private palliative care at home was outlined in the care plan

One of the first stages of palliative care is developing a plan that outlines where, when and how treatment will be facilitated. If it was determined that your loved one will benefit from palliative care at home, then it certainly makes sense to continue as planned unless there is a rapid, or unexpected change in their health condition.

If your loved one prefers to be treated at home

Palliative care plans are tailored to the individual and are put together with their preferences in mind.

So if being treated at home has been deemed to be the most suitable for your loved one, then it makes sense to honour this suggestion.

These are just some of the circumstances where it makes sense to opt for private palliative care at home. The first step before making any decisions is to have an open conversation with your loved one about what their wishes are. It is also prudent to involve healthcare professionals in this process to ensure the best outcomes for your loved ones.

The benefits of private palliative care at home

Choosing private palliative care at home can provide a personalised, compassionate approach to end-of-life care.

By receiving support in a familiar environment, individuals can experience greater comfort and dignity, surrounded by loved ones.

Below, we explore the unique advantages of private palliative care at home, from tailored medical support to emotional and practical benefits for both patients and families.

Improved quality of life

Private palliative care at home can provide a comforting and dignified experience for your loved one during a challenging time.

Being in the familiarity of home allows them to enjoy a sense of independence, surrounded by cherished memories and personal comforts.

With care tailored specifically to their needs, your loved one can receive compassionate support—whether for pain relief, mobility, or emotional reassurance—without the stress or disruption of hospital visits.

This approach makes it easier for them to maintain favourite routines, enjoy meaningful activities, and stay close to family. Ultimately, it helps your loved one live each day with comfort, and the support of those who care most.

Avoid risks associated with hospitalisation

For your loved one, receiving palliative care at home can reduce the risks that often come with hospital stays.

Hospitals, while essential for acute medical needs, can expose vulnerable individuals to infections, stress from unfamiliar surroundings, and disruptions to their daily life.

With private palliative care at home, your loved one can avoid these risks, receiving the dedicated care they need in a safe, familiar environment. This approach not only supports their physical health but also allows for emotional comfort, fostering a sense of peace and stability.

Improved utilisation of health care resources

By choosing palliative care, you’re helping your loved one receive focused, meaningful care that makes the best use of available resources. Rather than navigating complex hospital systems or waiting for support, they’ll have timely, dedicated attention from healthcare professionals who know their needs and can quickly address concerns. This approach allows healthcare resources to be allocated thoughtfully, giving your loved one exactly the care they need, when they need it most.

Cost-effective

Private palliative care at home can also be a cost-effective alternative to extended hospital stays. By avoiding frequent trips to medical facilities and accessing only the services your loved one truly needs, you can reduce unnecessary expenses without compromising on quality. This approach means your loved one receives personalised, compassionate care, allowing you to manage costs while ensuring they’re comfortable and well-supported.

Bespoke care

Every individual is unique, and palliative care at home honours that uniqueness. With bespoke care, your loved one’s treatment plan is tailored precisely to their needs, preferences, and daily routines. This personalised approach helps them feel seen, understood, and truly supported, ensuring they receive the right level of care for their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. Bespoke care goes beyond a one-size-fits-all solution, creating a truly compassionate experience.

Keep family involved

Home-based palliative care provides a special opportunity for family members to stay closely involved in their loved one’s journey. This involvement brings comfort to your loved one, who can be surrounded by familiar faces, and it can strengthen family bonds during a deeply meaningful time. By working together with care providers, families can help shape the care experience, ensuring it aligns with their loved one’s wishes and values.

Improved quality of life

This approach can also help your loved one live more comfortably and with greater dignity. By remaining in a familiar space, they can maintain their routines, enjoy treasured activities, and keep close connections with family and friends. Personalised support means their physical, emotional, and social needs are fully cared for, creating a quality of life that reflects the warmth and familiarity of home.

Greater satisfaction with the quality of care

Private palliative care at home also benefits family caregivers, who can take comfort in knowing their loved one is receiving high-quality, compassionate support. This reassurance helps reduce stress for family members, who can focus on spending meaningful time with their loved one rather than worrying about their care needs. Working alongside professional caregivers creates a sense of teamwork and shared purpose, bringing greater satisfaction and peace of mind.

Cost of palliative care at home

The cost of palliative care at home can vary widely depending on the level of care required, the frequency of visits, and regional costs.

Basic palliative care typically includes help with pain management, daily activities, and emotional support, often provided by nurses, carers, or palliative specialists.

Costs can be influenced by factors like whether you select a home care agency to administer private palliative care, the need for overnight support, and whether specialist equipment is needed.

While some costs may be covered by health services or charities, families often have to pay additional costs for personalised home care plans.

Looking for a home care agency that offers palliative care?

If you are searching for companies that specialise in providing private palliative care at home, Autumna makes it easy to do so. All you have to do is head over to our directory, select ‘Home Care’ and enter your location.

Select ‘Additional Filters’ and under the ‘Care Given’ section, select ‘Palliative.’

You will then be able to view a list of home care companies in the area you have selected that offer these services.

For more personalised suggestions, you can also use our Shortlisting Tool. Alternatively, our knowledgeable team of advisors can do the searching for you. You can contact them on 01892 335 330.