End-of-life discussion in assisted living facilities

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Discussion about end-of-life healthcare choices can contribute to honoring preferences and facilitating a peaceful dying process for residents in assisted living facilities. Focus groups were used to explore perspectives on end-of-life discussion with residents, family members, and staff members in three assisted living facilities. Residents were most concerned about practical matters such as decisions about inheritance, financial matters, and funerals. They expressed that they were ready to accept death but felt that their family members were resistant to discussion. Family members were most concerned about good care for their elderly relative. Staff members expressed confidence in providing end-of-life care and supporting families but less confidence in initiating discussion about end-of-life decisions. Residents reported that physicians most often focused on illness progression and treatment. Residents and family members may be at different stages in accepting the dying process. To ensure that residents' choices for end-of-life care are honored, the perspectives of all involved, including family and staff members as well as organizational practices, must be considered in the development of strategies and resources for promoting discussion about end-of-life healthcare choices for residents in assisted living facilities. © 2012 The Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.

Department(s)

Nursing

Publication Title

Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing

Volume

14

Issue

1

First Page

13

Last Page

24

Publication Date

1-1-2012

DOI

10.1097/NJH.0b013e318230f1d8

ISSN

15222179

E-ISSN

15390705

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