Understanding the End-of-Life Pathway
in Aged Care
As Australia transitions to the new Support at Home program on 1st November 2025, ensuring compassionate, timely, and high quality care for older people nearing the end of their lives remains a priority. The End of Life Pathway, a specialised component of the program, is designed to support those diagnosed with a limited life expectancy, specifically three months or less, who wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes.
What is the End-of-Life Pathway?
The End-of-Life Pathway is a care option under the Support at Home program that offers enhanced services for older people in the last stage of life. The goal is to maintain dignity, comfort, and personal choice by allowing individuals to remain at home while receiving high levels of support.
It provides access to a one-off funding amount of $25,000 to be spent across a 12 week period (with option to extend to 16 weeks if needed). Whilst receiving funding through the End of Life Pathway, participants can also access state and territory based palliative care services.
Who is eligible
To qualify for the End-of-Life Pathway, an older person must:
- 1. Receive a prognosis from a medical or nurse practitioner indicating a life expectancy of three months or less; and
- 2. Have an Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS) score of 40 or below, indicating a significant decline in physical function and independence.
Only one episode of the End-of-Life Pathway is permitted per participant. If the individual outlives the 12-week funding window, their care can be reassessed and transitioned to an ongoing classification under the Support at Home program (i.e a Level 1-8 funding package).
How is funding provided?
This pathway provides the highest daily funding classification in the Support at Home framework. The $25,000 budget is designed to support a rapid escalation in care needs and must be used within a 12-week period (with flexibility to extend to 16 weeks if funds remain). It’s important to note:
- This funding replaces any existing classification under Support at Home.
- Unused funds do not carry over if the participant returns to an ongoing care classification.
How to access the pathway
For existing participants
If an older person is already receiving services under Support at Home:
- The care partner or provider should assist in downloading and completing the End-of-Life Pathway Form, which must be signed by a GP or nurse practitioner.
- The form and any supporting documents are submitted through the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal as part of a high-priority Support Plan Review.
- Upon assessment, if approved, the new classification is activated, and services commence.
For new participants
For those not already receiving services:
- A referral can be initiated by a GP, the older person, a family member, or decision-maker.
- The End-of-Life Pathway Form must be completed by a medical professional.
- The older person must then undergo an aged care assessment to determine eligibility and service requirements.
- Once approved, they receive a support plan and can select a provider to begin services.
The role of care management
Care management remains a core feature of the End-of-Life Pathway. Every participant is assigned a care partner, a staff member from the provider organisation who:
- Coordinates services across various disciplines.
- Works closely with the participant’s medical team and state/territory palliative care providers.
- Develops a care plan tailored to the participant’s specific goals, cultural needs, and preferences.
Unlike other classifications where a 10% cap exists, there is no cap on care management under this pathway, reflecting the high level of coordination required.
What services are available?
Participants can access any relevant service from the Support at Home service list based on their assessed needs. This may include:
- Personal and nursing care
- Domestic assistance
- Assistive technology (e.g., pressure care mattresses)
However, new home modifications are not funded unless previously underway before the participant commenced with the End of Life Pathway.
Cultural and inclusive care
The pathway includes provisions to ensure culturally appropriate care, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants. Services may include:
- Access to Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners
- Culturally tailored palliative care resources, such as:
- - Gwandalan National Palliative Care Project
- - IPEPA (Indigenous Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach)
This approach ensures end-of-life care respects spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs.
The End-of-Life Pathway represents a compassionate and practical approach to aged care at life’s most vulnerable stage. It empowers older Australians to die with dignity, surrounded by family and comfort, in the place they call home.
By integrating funding, services, and care coordination, this pathway ensures older people are not just cared for but respected, honoured, and supported through their final journey.
Want to learn more or get started?
Visit My Aged Care or contact them on 1800 200 422. For resources on palliative care by state or territory, explore Palliative Care Australia.
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