Care at Home During End of Life

image of care at home

Many people needing palliative and end-of-life care choose to be cared for at home - close to family, friends and familiar surroundings.

Island Health Home and Community Care teams can provide a range of health care and support services in your home, often in partnership with local hospice societies. This includes supporting the wish for dying at home, surrounded by loved ones in a familiar environment. 

Home and Community Care also acts as a bridge between home and other care settings. These settings may include hospital, residential careassisted living, a doctor's office, hospice and other primary care settings.

If you are eligible for Home and Community Care, services can include visits from

  • Nurses,
  • Occupational therapists and physiotherapists,
  • Registered dietitians,
  • Social workers and other health care professionals.
  • Collaboration with your doctor, a Palliative Care Physician can provide in home consultation.

Home and Community Care can also help on a short or long-term basis with daily tasks like bathing, dressing and support for your caregivers.

Home care nurses provide professional nursing services for people with a terminal illness and their caregivers. Home care nursing is free for palliative clients and includes supportive counselling, assessment, referrals to community resources, and management of pain and other symptoms to optimize comfort for clients.

Home care nurses also assist with coordinating the Medical Supplies and Equipment Component of the BC Palliative Care Benefits Program.

For more information, please visit our pages on Home Care options.

General Information on Care at Home During End of Life

Referral Required?
Not required

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