Palliative (farewell) culture in shared housing arrangements : The perspective of everyday nursing practice.

The constantly progressing palliative culture in SHA is based on nurses' experiences, general practitioners (GP) and relatives. The family carers' role is ambiguous. If they do what they are supposed to do from the professional nurses' point of view and are closely connected to the nurses, they are viewed positively and as enablers of a palliative culture. If family carers' responsibilities are not communicated and they are not in close contact with professional nurses, they are viewed as opponents of a palliative culture. The GPs are seen as enablers of a palliative culture in both discussions. A timely discussion on what might happen in the end of life phase, formalized or not, helps all involved groups to be prepared.