Good Communication
Good communication with family and friends is vital as a person’s needs and preferences change during end-of-life care.
- Family and friends may pressure the person to eat, drink, or receive artificial nutrition or hydration, even when it’s no longer needed or doesn’t align with the person’s wishes.
- Family and friends may worry the person isn’t being cared for if they’re unable to swallow or stop eating and drinking.
- Communication aids and equipment, interpreters and/or cultural liaison advocates are not available if/when needed for communication.
- With the person’s consent, keep family and friends informed about their choices and preferences.
- Use family meetings or case conferences to share information and build a shared understanding of the person’s changing needs.
- Ensure communication aids and equipment (e.g. word-charts, hearing aids, magnifying aids), interpreters and/or cultural liaison advocates are not available if/when needed for communication.
- Seek feedback from family and friends to understand their experiences and find ways to improve communication and support.
When a person stops eating or can no longer swallow safely, their family and friends may feel upset or worried. They might fear the person will die from starvation or dehydration and may want them to keep eating and drinking or receive artificial feeding. Good communication is important to help families understand what is happening. Health professionals and care staff should gently explain that eating and drinking in the last days of life can sometimes cause discomfort, be harmful, or may not be in the person’s best interests.
Good communication tips
- Use clear and simple language. Avoid too many medical terms.
- Give honest answers to questions.
- Share information based on evidence.
- Listen with respect. Do not talk over the person who is dying, their family, or friends.
- Check that everyone understands what has been discussed.
It is important to listen to family concerns and have open, respectful conversations. Talking about the risks, benefits, and burdens of food and drink at this stage helps everyone understand what is best for the person and can support decisions that focus on comfort and dignity.
Family meetings and case conferences
Family meetings or case conferences (if the person agrees) can help everyone talk together and understand different views about care and treatment. These meetings are useful for planning end-of-life care and making sure decisions respect the person's wishes. They also help families feel supported and informed.