End-of-Life Care in Melbourne
Many people want to spend their last weeks at home. Making that possible usually takes more hands than one family has, especially overnight. Specialised Living provides personal care, overnight care and a calm presence in the final weeks of life across Melbourne, alongside your GP and palliative care team.
Being Together at Home
End-of-life care is support in the last weeks and days of life, the final stage of palliative care. Medical care stays with your doctors and palliative nurses. Our role is the hands-on, around-the-clock help that lets the person stay comfortable at home.
It also lets the family stay family. Instead of spending every night on watch, you can sit together, talk, sleep and say what you want to say. We work quietly in the background and follow the person’s wishes, culture and faith.
How We Can Help
In the final weeks, needs can change day to day. Our support workers can help with:
- Overnight care, so someone is awake with the person and family can sleep.
- Gentle personal care: washing, changing, mouth care and fresh bedding.
- Repositioning for comfort, as the palliative care team advises.
- Sips of water, small snacks and help at mealtimes.
- Watching for changes and calling the palliative team or family, as agreed in the plan.
- Meals for visiting family, laundry and keeping the house running.
- Sitting with the person, so they're never alone when family need a break.
- Respite for family carers, day or night.
End-of-life needs can change quickly. Call 0402 385 436 and we’ll tell you honestly how soon we can start. In a medical emergency, call 000.
Start With Us
Today!
And connect with a team of dedicated support workers who put you first.
Care Guided by the Person’s Wishes
Quiet or music, visitors or privacy, prayer, favourite foods: we ask what matters, write it into the plan, and make sure every worker follows it.
A Calm, Caring Presence
Sometimes the most important thing is someone sitting nearby. Our workers are unhurried and gentle, and they know when to step back and give the family space.
Overnight Support When You Need
A support worker awake through the night, so the person is never alone and family can finally sleep. We can add nights at short notice when staff are available.
Looking After Families
We take care of meals, laundry and the practical jobs, so you can spend the time you have together. We keep you updated and answer your questions honestly.
Working Alongside Your Healthcare Team
Your GP and palliative care team stay responsible for medical care, including pain and symptom management, medication and equipment. We read their care plan before we start, and we follow it.
Together with you and the palliative team, we agree who we call, and when, if something changes. If the death is expected, your palliative care team will tell you who to call at the time. Usually it’s their after-hours number or the GP, not 000.
Supporting Your Family
There is no right way to feel in these weeks. We take on the tiring, practical work so you can focus on being together, whether that means sitting with the person, sleeping or looking after yourself.
Grief often starts before a death. If it would help, we can point you to bereavement and counselling services in Melbourne.
Get in Touch!
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FAQs
It involves gentle personal care, emotional support and practical help, so the person is comfortable and their family is supported at home during the final stage of life. Care follows the person’s wishes and the guidance of their treating team.
For many people, yes, with the right support and medical guidance. Every situation is different, so we talk with you and work alongside the person’s doctors and palliative care team to see what is possible.
We offer kindness, clear communication, respite and practical help, so family can rest and spend time with their loved one. We are also happy to listen and to point you towards other support.
Yes. We follow their care plans and guidance, keep communication open and let them know promptly if something changes. They remain responsible for medical care.
Please call us on 0402 385 436 to talk about your needs and our current availability. We will do our best to help, and we will be honest about what we can offer.
Yes. Overnight support offers reassurance and comfort through the night, so the person is settled and family can rest. We will talk with you about the level of support you need.
Of course. Many families call to ask questions long before they need care. You can talk with us without any pressure or obligation, and we will answer as openly and gently as we can.
We're Here to Help!
If you are caring for someone in the final stage of life, you do not have to do it alone. Call, email or send an enquiry and we will listen, answer your questions and talk through how we can help at home.
Po Box 399
Werribee VIC 3030
Please leave your name, number, and email as well as a brief explanation of your enquiry and we’ll get back to you soon.