Abstract

For the majority of patients with terminal cancer their preferred place of death is at home. Many factors determine this choice, in particular the availability of a carer, the patient's physical condition and adequate services. A factor often underestimated is the financial impact of caring for someone at home. This paper examines the financial concerns of carers of terminally ill cancer patients and whether current Australian health care policy is able to address these concerns. Two main categories of cost were identified, those related to the patients physical care needs and those that impacted on carer lifestyle. The current government allowances to assist carers in these costs are limited by carers either being unaware that the benefits existed or by the strict qualifying criteria that restrict access to those who care for the terminally ill.