Choosing private palliative care in Melbourne means expert help that protects quality of life at home. Our palliative care services focus on comfort, choice, and calm routines so clients and families can spend time where it matters most. We work collaboratively with hospital teams, palliative care physicians, your general practitioner, and allied health professionals to create a clear plan that supports you day and night.
TL;DR
- Private, home-based palliative and supportive care that prioritises comfort, choice and calm routines. It can run alongside treatments like chemo or radiotherapy and aims to steady each day rather than prolong life.
- Aacquaint's palliative care includes a small, consistent team led by a primary nurse, working discreetly with your GP, specialists and hospital teams. Includes access to social, counselling and pastoral support, respite options, and timely family updates.
- Symptom and pain management through medication review and titration with your doctors, plus non-drug strategies such as positioning, heat or cold therapy, mouth and skin care, pacing and sleep routines. Clear written plans, rapid escalation when needed, and overnight or 24-hour cover available.
- Acquaint offers premium support for cancer, MND, Parkinson’s, MS, advanced heart, lung or kidney disease, dementia and frailty across Toorak and greater Melbourne. Emphasis on mobility, falls prevention and practical routines that keep the home calm.
- It all starts with a conversation and transparent pricing explained upfront based on nursing level, coordination needs, overnight or 24-hour cover, specialist input, equipment, and travel or scheduling complexity.
What is palliative and supportive care at home?
Palliative care is specialised supportive care for people living with life limiting illnesses. It helps with managing pain, easing other symptoms, and providing emotional, psychosocial support, and spiritual support for clients and families.
In plain terms: we help clients live in their element for as long as possible.
Palliative care affirms life and sees dying as a normal process. Its purpose is to reduce distress and help with practical choices. It is not designed to prolong life or postpone death, but to steady each day with comfort and control.
Many people receive palliative and supportive care while still receiving other therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or disease-modifying medicines. Our team explains options so families can make informed decisions.
A premium, discreet model of care: small, consistent teams
Families in Toorak and across Melbourne often tell us they want skill, continuity, and quiet efficiency. That’s exactly how our care service runs.
- Small, consistent team: One primary nurse leads your nursing services, supported by a tight palliative care team who oversees complex care. You meet familiar faces, not a stream of strangers.
- The team works closely with your treating specialist, GP, and hospital unit, coordinating with public providers where helpful.
- Supportive care services: access to social workers, counsellors, and pastoral care services for spiritual support.
- Respite services so family carers can rest.
- Updates you can trust: we send timely notes to family members so nothing important is missed.
This is specialised care with an added concierge service: quiet, respectful, and designed for people who value privacy and a premium standard.
Conditions we commonly support
We support clients facing cancer and a wide range of life limiting or life threatening illness, including motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, advanced heart or lung disease, kidney failure, dementia, and frailty. These conditions often come with complex symptoms, including pain, nausea, breathlessness, restlessness, fatigue, anxiety, and changes in sleep or appetite. We regularly support people living with Parkinson’s and focus on medication timing, mobility, freezing episodes and falls prevention. Our carers guide symptom management step by step, so home remains a practical and calm place to be.
Pain management and symptom management at home
Pain management is often the first reason families seek private palliative care. We blend palliative medicine with practical routines:
- Medication review and titration coordinated with your GP or specialist.
- Non-drug strategies for managing pain and other symptoms: positioning, heat/cold therapy, pacing, mouth care, skin care, gentle movement, breathable bedding, and sleep routines.
- Rapid response to complex symptoms, with escalation to your palliative care specialist if needed.
- Clear written plans so everyone knows what to try first, and when to call.
We also coordinate outpatient clinics if you need a one-off review, and we can arrange hospital transfers if you need urgent tests.
How we work with your doctors and local services
Your home team does not sit apart from the rest of your health care. We work closely with:
- Your general practitioner
- Your oncologist, neurologist, cardiologist, or other treating specialist
- Hospital palliative care physicians and community palliative care teams
- Allied health professionals (physio, OT, dietitian, speech therapy)
- Community pharmacies and equipment suppliers
Most families prefer one point of contact; we provide advice, book appointments, and keep everyone aligned on the treatment plan.
How long can a person live in palliative care?
The honest answer is: it varies widely.
Some people receive home palliative care services for a few weeks; others for many months or even years. It depends on the client’s illness, response to other therapies and overall frailty.
Early referral often steadies symptoms and helps clients live more comfortably at home for longer. Our primary goal is to support the day-to-day, help families feel prepared, and keep plans flexible as needs change.
How much does private palliative care cost?
Pricing for palliative care depends on:
- The level of nursing services required.
- The level of care coordination, or concierge services.
- Overnight or 24-hour care.
- Specialist input for complex symptoms.
- Equipment hire or purchase.
- Travel and scheduling complexity (for example, split shifts).
We always provide a clear estimate, so palliative care cost is transparent before you start.
Your rights and choices
Every person has the right to comfort, kindness, and clear information. We explain options so you can make informed decisions about supportive care services, equipment, and place of care. You can change your mind at any time. We also talk through life care wishes and simple paperwork that keeps everyone on the same page.
Why families choose Acquaint for private palliative care in Melbourne
- Continuity of care: a known nurse and small team.
- Coverage: Toorak and greater Melbourne, with links to outpatient clinics and hospital units.
- Transparent pricing: upfront estimates.
- Trusted connections: strong working ties with hospital teams and healthcare professionals.
- Quiet professionalism: respect for privacy, calm routines, tidy visits, and a focus on quality of life.
What happens after you call
- Care conversation: We learn your story, current support, and key goals.
- Nurse assessment at home: A senior nurse reviews the client’s illness, medications, mobility, home layout, and carer capacity.
- Start of services: your primary nurse begins visits; our team works closely with your GP and treating specialist.
- Regular reviews: small adjustments that keep days smooth; fast escalation for complex symptoms.
- Family updates: timely messages so family members stay informed, no surprises, no late news.
Our primary goal through all of this is simple: steady care that lets clients live at home with comfort and control.
A note on values and community
Each May, National Palliative Care Week invites Australia to talk openly about serious illness and end-of-life choices. Research shows that earlier referrals lead to better symptom control and less stress for clients and families. Whether you’re seeking a single visit to provide advice or a full home program, we’re ready to provide support.
The difference a home-based palliative care team makes
Home offers familiar sights, sounds, and people. That’s why so many families choose in-home palliative care Melbourne wide; to keep routines intact, reduce hospital trips, and give relatives time together. With the right support, breathlessness can be eased, nausea settled, worry reduced, and good moments protected. Our services focus on what matters to you: whether it’s a calm bath, a short walk in the garden, a favourite meal, a quiet chat, or simply a peaceful rest.
Premium private palliative care in Melbourne
Ready to start a steady, private program of care at home in Toorak or across Melbourne? Call us on 03 9267 9090, request a written quote for your palliative care services, and set up supportive care that begins within days. Let’s put a clear plan in place: quality of life protected, managing pain handled, and your family kept fully informed from day one.
FAQs about palliative care
Do you replace our GP or specialists?
No, we don't replace your GP or specialists. We work closely with your general practitioner and treating specialists, sharing updates and keeping the healthcare team aligned.
Can you help if we’re already linked with a public or not-for-profit service?
Yes, we can help you if you’re already linked with a public or not-for-profit service. We can add hours, fill gaps, or manage nights.
Do you only help at the very end?
No, we don't only help at the very end. Many people receive end of life care in the final days, but palliative and supportive care can start much earlier, right after diagnosis of a life threatening illness or when symptoms begin to affect daily routines.
Last updated: September 2025
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