Written by Oliver Wakefield-Smith. Reviewed for accuracy against the Homecare Association's 2026/27 minimum-price report and Age UK's 2026 factsheets. Numbers verified 21 June 2026.
End of life care at home: what is free and what is not
End of life care at home is the most generously funded form of UK care, but the funding is patchwork. The CHC Fast Track funds 100% of the personal care package and is meant to be in place within 48 hours of a clinician's recommendation[17]. On top of that, Marie Curie nurses provide free overnight nursing in many areas[21]. Hospice at Home services from local hospices provide free day and night sitting services[22].
What CHC Fast Track covers
- The full personal care package: visits, live-in if needed, equipment.
- The named carer and any back-up cover.
- Continence supplies, syringe drivers and dressings via the district-nurse team.
What families still pay for
- Top-ups for personal-care hours outside the assessed package.
- Private overnight sitting services where Marie Curie cover is not available locally.
- Mileage and personal expenses for the family.