Aims We evaluated the outcome of person‐centred and integrated Palliative advanced home caRE and heart FailurE caRe (PREFER) with regard to patient symptoms, health‐related quality of life (HQRL), and hospitalizations compared with usual care. Methods and results From January 2011 to October 2012, 36 (26 males, 10 females, mean age 81.9 years) patients with chronic heart failure (NYHA class III–IV) were randomized to PREFER and 36 (25 males, 11 females, mean age 76.6 years) to the control group at a single centre. Prospective assessments were made at 1, 3, and 6 months using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, Euro Qol, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, and rehospitalizations. Between‐group analysis revealed that patients receiving PREFER had improved HRQL compared with controls (57.6 ± 19.2 vs. 48.5 ± 24.4, age‐adjusted P‐value = 0.05). Within‐group analysis revealed a 26% improvement in the PREFER group for HRQL (P = 0.046) compared with 3% (P = 0.82) in the control group. Nausea was improved in the PREFER group (2.4 ± 2.7 vs. 1.7 ± 1.7, P = 0.02), and total symptom burden, self‐efficacy, and quality of life improved by 18% (P = 0.035), 17% (P = 0.041), and 24% (P = 0.047), respectively. NYHA class improved in 11 of the 28 (39%) PREFER patients compared with 3 of the 29 (10%) control patients (P = 0.015). Fifteen rehospitalizations (103 days) occurred in the PREFER group, compared with 53 (305 days) in the control group. Conclusion Person‐centred care combined with active heart failure and palliative care at home has the potential to improve quality of life and morbidity substantially in patients with severe chronic heart failure. Trial registration: NCT01304381

Meaning of living with severe CHF in palliative advanced home care is on one hand, being aware of one's imminent death, on the other hand, making it through the downs i.e. surviving life-threatening conditions, breed confidence in also surviving the current down. Being constructively dependent on palliative advanced home care facilitates everyday life at home.

The Palliative Advanced Home Care and Heart Failure Care working mode saves financial resources and should be regarded as very cost-effective.