Family Members’ Perceptions and Needs Regarding End-of-Life Care for Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Qualitative Study

Purpose: This study explored the perceptions and needs of family members of older adults residing in long-term care facilities regarding end-of-life care. Methods: This qualitative study used Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. Participants were family members of older adults residing in long-term care facilities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed according to the thematic analysis process. Results: Four overarching themes and nine subthemes were derived. The four themes were as follows: (1) avoidance of death-related conversations and a hospital-centered view of end-of-life care; (2) anxiety and discomfort regarding end-of-life care within long-term care facilities; (3) end-of-life care as a continuation of daily care that preserves dignity; and (4) end-of-life care as fulfilling filial duty in a second home. Conclusion: To ensure effective end-of-life care delivery in long-term care facilities, multifaceted strategies are needed, including improved communication with families, staff education programs on end-of-life care, and collaboration with external resources such as hospitals. Furthermore, a standardized end-of-life care program that reflects the realities and environments of long-term care facilities is needed to ensure consistent, high-quality care without qualitative disparities.