title: Later life care planning conversations for older adults and families.
abstract: While most older adults have thought about their future care needs, few have discussed their preferences with family members. We interviewed older persons (24), adult children (24), health professionals (23), and representatives of stakeholder associations (3) to understand their views and experiences on later life care (LLC) planning conversations, in terms of (a) their respective roles, and (b) barriers and facilitators that should be taken into account when having these conversations. Roles described included that of information user (older persons), information seeker (family members), and information provider (health care providers). The study identified practical and emotional considerations relevant to LLC planning conversations. This study found strong support for planning for LLC before the need arises, as well as important potential benefits for older adults, family members, and health professionals. There is interest in, and need for, resources to guide families in LLC planning.
authors.affiliation: University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada stolee@uwaterloo.ca.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stolee
authors.affiliation: Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zaza
authors.affiliation: Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Michael T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Sharratt
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D016901:Intergenerational Relations; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012179:Retirement
keywords: caregiving; intergenerational relations; long-term care; retirement