Talking about end-of-life care allows older people to share their wishes, concerns, and what matters most to them. These conversations help ensure care aligns with their values, avoiding unnecessary interventions and improving quality of life. Open discussions also support families and carers, helping them prepare emotionally and practically. While challenging, aged care nurses and careworkers play a key role in guiding these talks with sensitivity, active listening, and empathy.
What I can do
To encourage discussions about end-of-life care in a supportive setting:
- Find natural moments to introduce the topic, such as during care planning or when someone shares concerns about their health
- Use open-ended questions to start the conversation like those on the CareSearch Communication starters factsheet (157kb pdf)
- Pay attention to cues—both verbal and non-verbal—that signal readiness to talk about future care.
Approach these conversations with empathy and clarity to help older people, their families and carers feel supported and reassured:
- Speak calmly, using simple, jargon-free language
- Acknowledge emotions and validate concerns rather than rushing to fix them
- Allow silence—people may need time to process.
Including families and carers in discussions helps ensure the older person’s wishes remain central:
- Encourage family discussions while prioritising the older person’s voice
- Provide clear, reliable information to reduce uncertainty and stress
- Facilitate regular family meetings. You may like to use the palliAGED case conference forms and checklists.
What I can learn
The palliAGED Practice Tips give helpful guidance on supporting older people with talking about end-of-life care. There is a version for nurses as well as one for careworkers.
Nurses can read more on this topic in the CareSearch Nurses Hub.
You can also watch the videos from the palliAGED Education on the Run series on:
To learn more about the essential elements of clear and open communication when caring for people affected by life-limiting illness, complete the:
What I can give
If an older person, their family or carer wishes to know more about what to expect at the end of life, these resources may help:
What I can suggest
For a workplace where staff feel encouraged and supported to have meaningful conversations about end-of-life care:
- Advocate for regular training in end-of-life conversations for all staff
- Encourage leadership to support and normalise discussions about dying
- Integrate these conversations into routine care planning. The free ELDAC Talking with families resource kit may help.
Provide resources that help staff facilitate thoughtful and structured end-of-life conversations. You can:
- Implement clear guidelines for documenting and reviewing advance care plans
- Provide staff with conversation prompts and communication aids
- Facilitate case conferences to ensure care aligns with the older person’s wishes.
Strengthen support for families and carers, ensuring they are informed, reassured, and included in decision-making. For example:
- Establish a system for regular family meetings
- Offer bereavement support resources and referrals
- Create a safe, compassionate environment for difficult conversations.
Page updated 17 March 2025