Communicating palliative hope in late-stage dementia: thematic analysis of hope work in care plan meetings with nursing home residents’ families

As overarching goals of hope work, we identified acceptance and appreciation. Nursing home professionals have an important role in constructing and maintaining hope and thus supporting families. They can remind families that residents are not lost as people, they are in good care, and that there are still time and opportunities for a good life, meaningful moments, and connection, which families can appreciate despite the progressive illness. By highlighting the possibility of a peaceful death for the resident and willingness to support families in the end-of-life phase, nursing home professionals can help families accept the inevitable. Combined with good-quality palliative care, palliative hope work can support families' social relationships and foster meaningful experiences at the end-of-life stage.