The 55-year-old discovered the benefits that husband Terry would have had at home only after she learned of the Home Hospice organisation which helps people caring for terminally ill relatives at home.

Mrs Dunlop, who works as a carer with a Rooty Hill aged-care facility, said she learned of the mentoring program after her husband had died.

``I'm sorry he was never given the option of dying at home under my care,'' she said. ``It is better for a dying person to share his last days with family and friends.''

Mrs Dunlop is now helping a carer to look after her dying 90-year-old mother.

``My duty is to help her make her mum's last days more fulfilling,'' she said.

``It involves supporting her in ensuring her mum would be surrounded by close family members and friends.

``I have advised her to organise for relatives to visit and get some to relieve her so she can do her shopping and pay her bills.''

Home Hospice CEO Melanie Greblo said there were only 11 trained mentors in western Sydney and she wanted more carers of the terminally ill to join the program.

``In Australia it is estimated that 80 per cent of people express a wish to die at home,'' she said. ``At best, only 30 per cent are able to do so.''

Inquiries: homehospice.com.au or 1800132229.