Palliative Care Services at Home Across NZ

Our approach to palliative care at home

Palliative care is about more than managing symptoms: it’s about providing comfort, dignity and quality of life during the final stages of an illness. We are here to help, so you can spend precious time together.

Every person’s journey is unique. That’s why our team works closely with you, your family/whānau and healthcare professionals to design an end-of-life care plan that respects individual wishes and needs. Palliative care support may include personal care such as bathing and dressing, assistance with medication and pain management, emotional support and companionship, as well as help around the home to ease the day-to-day load.

We also know that family and whānau carers need time to rest. Our respite care options provide trusted, temporary support so you can take a break while knowing your loved one is in safe hands. For those requiring more intensive assistance, we can arrange flexible or around-the-clock care to ensure comfort and dignity at all times.

What is palliative care?

Palliative care is specialised care given to patients with terminal or life-limiting illnesses. It is generally team-based with a holistic approach that takes into account the whole person including their spiritual, mental, and social needs in addition to physical wellbeing. End of life care is included in the category, although palliative care is not only for terminal patients.

Our palliative care teams offer flexible support, easing pain and other symptoms to facilitate a peaceful and fulfilling end-of-life experience.

A patient at any stage of a terminal or life-limiting illness can be a candidate to start palliative care. Different situations will require different levels of care; an individual care plan might include things like pain management, personal care such as help with bathing and dressing, companionship, and home help.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can support you!

Why palliative care at home is important

Receiving care at home allows patients to remain in a familiar and comforting environment, where family and friends can come and go freely.

At home, whānau and loved ones can be more involved in day-to-day care and spend quality time together, at any hour. Patients are able to relax in familiar surroundings, stay connected to family life, and feel a greater sense of comfort while receiving care.

Whānau often gather to sing, talk, reminisce, and simply be present. Being at home creates a safe and reassuring space for these moments – not only for the patient, but for everyone involved. With the support of qualified caregivers, family and friends can focus on what matters most: connection, comfort, and emotional support.

Palliative care is centred on comfort, dignity, and quality of life. The familiarity of home can play a vital role in achieving this.

Get in touch with Geneva to find out how we can support palliative care at home for your loved one.

Types of home palliative care services we offer

Palliative care can comprise a wide range of services that support dignity and comfort for patients with terminal or life-limiting illnesses. These are aimed at easing symptoms, promoting quality of life, and making the day-to-day easier.

Our team of palliative care specialists offers:

  • Medication management, to help patients and their whānau maintain a regular schedule of the medication that will keep them comfortable.
  • Pain management that is responsive to changing needs.
  • Personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and other assistance.
  • Home help such as cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping to reduce the burden on patients and their friends and family members.
  • Companionship services, ensuring both a watchful eye on the patient and human connection when it’s needed.

Based on personalised care plans, our palliative care services and end-of-life care services cover a wide range of care options that allow patients across the country to receive the support they need during a difficult period. Families and friends are included in every aspect of the process, with a collaborative approach ensuring that social, spiritual, and emotional needs are met.

Funded and private care options

You may be eligible for government-funded palliative care through your local health service or NASC. If you would like additional support, or more flexibility in the type and timing of services, we can also provide private care. Our team can talk you through your options and help create the right balance for your family/whānau.

How to get started

The compassionate and professional Geneva team can help you to navigate the process of accessing palliative care at home. There are funded services available for those who qualify and also private care options available.

Ask your GP or Needs Assessment Service Coordinator (NASC) about choosing Geneva as your preferred palliative care services provider. From there, we can meet to assess your needs and set up a personalised care plan. We understand that each situation is unique and can explain the variety of service options available to you; get in touch to find out more.

Frequently asked questions: Palliative care

Palliative care is specialised support for people living with a life-limiting or terminal condition. It focuses on managing pain and symptoms, providing emotional and spiritual support, and ensuring dignity and comfort for both individuals and their families/whānau.

Yes. Many people prefer to stay in familiar surroundings, and our services are designed to make that possible. Our team provides home-based palliative care across New Zealand, so you can receive support where you feel most comfortable.

Palliative care can involve a wide range of support, including personal care, help with medication and pain relief, emotional companionship, assistance with daily tasks such as meals and cleaning, and respite care for family/whānau members. The focus is always on comfort, dignity and quality of life.

Our services are delivered by trained support workers and nurses, who work alongside healthcare professionals to ensure your needs are met. They are skilled in end-of-life care and nursing, and provide compassionate, respectful support for both clients and their loved ones.

Yes, you may be eligible for government-funded palliative care through your local health services or Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) team. If you need more hours or additional services, we also offer private care options that can be tailored to your needs.

If care is arranged privately, support can often begin within a few days. For funded services, the start time may depend on assessment processes through your healthcare team or NASC. We work to make the process as smooth and timely as possible.

Yes. Geneva Healthcare has a nationwide network, meaning we can provide palliative care support across most regions of New Zealand.