What should we organise after being told someone may only have months to live?

Australia · 29 August 2026 · 5 min read · Reviewed by Dr Kane Treble

If someone may only have months to live, start with the supports that affect comfort, decision-making and safety: medical contacts, palliative care, medicines, home support, legal and financial documents, carer support, and the person's wishes for care.

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you exactly what is happening in one person's situation. If you have concerns about a symptom, medicine, treatment decision or change in someone's condition, contact their doctor, palliative care team, nurse or other treating health professional. Legal and financial rules can vary. Check the person's situation with the relevant service or a qualified adviser.

Make a medical contact plan

Ask the treating team:

who is the main doctor
whether the GP has been updated
whether palliative care should be involved
who to call during the day
who to call after hours
what symptoms need urgent help
what medicines should be kept at home
whether the person needs a written home care plan

Put the contact list somewhere easy to find. Share it with the people who may be caring for the person.

Ask about palliative care

Palliative care can help before the final days of life. It can support symptoms, treatment decisions, care at home, equipment, family meetings, counselling and carer needs. It can be provided at home, in hospital, in a palliative care unit, in hospice or in residential aged care.

Ask for a referral through the GP, specialist, hospital team, community nurse or other health provider. If you are told it is too early, ask who is managing symptoms now and when the referral should be reviewed.

Talk about what matters to the person

Some people want detailed planning. Others want a slower conversation. Try to ask clear, gentle questions:

Where would you prefer to be cared for, if that is possible?
Who do you want involved in decisions?
Are there treatments you would or would not want?
What would make a day feel better?
Are there people you want to see or speak to?
Are there cultural, spiritual or religious needs we should know about?

These conversations can change over time. Write down the main points if the person agrees.

Check legal and decision-making documents

Consider whether the person wants to organise or update:

will
enduring power of attorney
substitute decision-maker appointment
advance care plan
advance care directive
guardianship or medical treatment decision documents, depending on the state or territory

Advance care directive forms and rules differ across Australia. Use the correct form for the person's state or territory. If the person already has documents, make sure the treating team and decision-maker know where they are.

Review money, work and practical affairs

Practical planning can reduce stress later. This may include:

Centrelink payments or concession cards
Carer Payment or Carer Allowance for a carer
work leave and flexible work options
superannuation, insurance and beneficiary nominations
early access to super if terminal illness rules are met
mortgage, rent, bills and direct debits
online accounts and passwords
funeral wishes or prepaid funeral arrangements

myGov and Services Australia have information about payments and end of life planning. Moneysmart has information about super, insurance and financial decisions.

Plan for home care if that is wanted

If the person hopes to stay at home or die at home, ask the team what support is needed. Home care may need equipment, nursing visits, a medicine plan, after-hours support and a back-up plan if symptoms worsen or carers cannot manage.

If the person is older, My Aged Care may be relevant. The Support at Home End-of-Life Pathway may help eligible older people who have 3 months or less to live and want to remain at home. It is designed to complement palliative care services.

Support the carer

The main carer may need time off work, money advice, respite, counselling or help from family and friends. Carer Gateway can help carers find free supports. Services Australia can explain carer payments and what evidence is needed.

Do not wait until the carer is at breaking point. A tired carer may not be able to keep someone safely at home.

When to get help now

Contact the doctor, palliative care team, nurse or specialist if symptoms are new, worsening, distressing or not controlled.

Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency, such as severe breathing distress, severe uncontrolled bleeding, a sudden collapse without an expected death plan, a major injury, or immediate danger.