Father who requires professional care

Hi Everyone,

This is my first time ever reaching out to anyone like this, but I am hoping you can provide some guidance around my current situation.

My father was diagnosed with advanced Stage 4 Prostate Cancer back in late 2024 and has been battling the disease with every bit of strength he can muster. Unfortunately, after chemo and all efforts to slow things down, we’re in the final advanced stages with not much time left.

Up until this point, he has been adamant about looking after himself (with my support where needed). But recently this year, he decided that he would like to spend his final days up at his Vacation Home near Bundaberg, which is unfortunately quite far from where I live. He’s been managing mostly on his own and with the help of family and friends who take turns visiting and being with him, but i’m afraid his health has deteriorated substantially over the past few weeks.

He’s unable to really get around on his own due to the cancer making it’s way into his leg, back and pelvic bones. He has lost almost all bladder and colon control and can barely eat or drink, let alone get around his home.

I am trying to convince him that it would be best to arrange in-home palliative services so he can receive professional care. And preferably, I would like to arrange for him to come back to Brisbane to receive this care in his primary residence which is closeby to myself and other family members who want to be there to support him during this critical stage.

What is the best way for me to approach this? He remains adamant in staying where he is, but it’s so difficult to make in-home care arrangements due to the remoteness of his vacation home (in Winfield QLD).

Any advice on guidance around this situation would be much appreciated, as I want to respect his wishes to remain somewhere he’s happy and comfortable. But at the same time, this isn’t ideal for his quality of life and I worry what might happen over the coming weeks if he doesn’t receive proper care.