This is what Dawn (last name withheld) said of her husband, Tony, who sadly passed away on January 8 this year. 

Tony had a glioblastoma multiforme, better known as a GPM, or a type of brain tumour, and passed away in the comfort of his own home, with family and friends. 

Tony’s wish to die at home was supported by the PEACH or Palliative Extended and Care Home program, run by South Western Sydney Local Health District. 

PEACH supports people with a terminal illness who wish to die at home. Support includes personal care during the day, a visit from an evening registered nurse and video conference support with a night nurse as patients reach the end of their life.

Dawn said it was important to Tony and their three children to have him at home. 

“We wanted to keep him at home, he loved being outside and his dog Chopper and to have him surrounded by family was important,” she said. “Even when he was quite sick he put on a brave face so he didn’t have to go to hospital, he just wanted to be at home.”

Dawn described the PEACH program as a “Godsend” and said she knew she would always be supported by the palliative care workers. 

“It took the pressure off me because I knew that I could ring them at anytime with queries and questions,” she said. “I don’t know how anyone would get by without [the program] because they give you so much support.”

Jacqui, who cared for Tony through PEACH in his final days said the program was not just about supporting the client, but also their families. 

“We have a whole team that works together to ensure the person has access to overnight nursing or whatever other services they need, we are always communicating and speaking with nurses and the family to ensure the person has the best possible care.”

A couple of different PEACH carers supported Tony, and Dawn said the familiar faces made things easier. 

“Tony always knew who was coming and it was nice having familiar faces in our home rather than different people all the time,” she said. 

The PEACH program can have up to five packages running at one time in the Highlands, which ensures that clients have as much support as possible. 

“The programs are flexible and we can implement PEACH on the day, by that night the program can have started,” Jacqui said. “It works brilliantly and we do our best to benefit the client however we can.”

Just this week The NSW Government announced a record $100 million spend on palliative care services, with the focus on improving access for country families.

The money will fund extra services and training for hundreds of staff over the next four years, which will ensure that people like Dawn and Tony have the choice to die with dignity in their own homes.