During National Palliative Care Week, an Illawarra-based, nurse-led service is encouraging families to seek in-home palliative support earlier, saying many patients remain unaware of vital government funding available for end-of-life care.
Compassionate Care from Sisternightingale Home Nursing
Sisternightingale Home Nursing, established in 2025 by Sarah and Jade Rowland, provides compassionate care, symptom management, medication support, personal care and in-home and overnight respite across palliative, Support at Home and aged care settings. Their focus is on supporting people with complex or life-limiting illness, offering care that is both highly clinical and deeply personal.
"One of the most common things we hear from families is, 'We wish we had found you earlier'. It's something that stays with us and it's why community awareness is so important," Sarah said.
"Many people simply aren't told about the level of support that is available to them at home - including options for overnight care, after-hours support and coordinated end-of-life care. We want families to know they don't have to navigate this alone."
"There is support available - clinically, practically and emotionally - and reaching out early can make a meaningful difference for everyone involved."
"Families do not need to wait until the very end stages of illness - engaging support earlier allows us to build relationships, plan proactively, manage symptoms effectively and support both the individual and their family over time."
Government Funding for End-of-Life Care
Sisternightingale provides care coordination and guidance, including support navigating the newly available federal government End-of-Life Pathway funding which provides eligible patients with up to $25,000 over a 12-week period to ensure families can access the support they need when caring for a family member at home. In addition, the team supports clients who are privately funded as well as those accessing funding through aged care pathways including Support at Home.
"We believe that care should feel calm, considered, and genuinely supportive - not just in the big moments, but in the quiet ones too," Jade said.
"We are a nurse-led service, meaning clinical oversight and forward planning are embedded into every aspect of our care. Our team is highly experienced, but just as importantly, deeply compassionate. We are strong advocates for our clients - always thinking ahead, anticipating needs and ensuring that nothing is overlooked."
"Families often tell us they feel a sense of calm and reassurance when we are involved - that they can finally take a breath, knowing someone is there who truly understands."
Service Area and Growth
Since its establishment, Sisternightingale Home Nursing has grown steadily, bringing together a team of nurses and support workers who share the same values of compassion, advocacy and quiet, consistent care. Services are provided from Northern Illawarra to Nowra, including Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and nearby communities.
The service was built from years of frontline nursing experience, where they saw firsthand that care can sometimes feel rushed, fragmented, or overly clinical.
"We wanted to create something different - a service that allows time, understanding and genuine connection, including support beyond standard hours when families caring for a loved one often feel most alone," Sarah said. "We want the individual and the people around them to feel informed, reassured and listened to during what can be a very difficult time."
Find out more at sisternightingale.com.au.
