Providing adequate supportive services for the families of palliative care patients is a core principle of palliative care. Caring for a patient with terminal illness at home involves a considerable commitment on the part of family caregivers, and attention must be given to the caregiver’s needs as well as those of the patient. Enhanced supportive care strategies can ameliorate the challenges facing families of palliative care patients cared for at home. All health professionals need to improve the standard of family-centred palliative care, and more evidence-based approaches are required. There is a growing trend for people with a terminal illness to remain at home, where practicable.Despite the input offered by professional palliative care services, care within the home usually relies primarily on a family member or friend. Indeed, without the support of caregivers, home palliative care would be impossible for many people. This article outlines current issues related to home-based palliative care for enhancing the quality of this care.

Keywords: Palliative care, Care giver, Quality of life, Family coping.