There is a real need for seniors and their families to discuss where seniors want to receive end of life care. New research has revealed that the large majority of seniors want to live at home and receive end of life care in their own home, however only 25% of seniors spend the end of their lives at home. Almost half of all seniors in Ireland (48%) die in hospital even though only 10% of seniors say they would like to receive end of life care in hospital.

Interestingly, the 60% of seniors who die in hospital do not even have a clinical need for hospitalisation. Furthermore, it is estimated that public patient demand will increase by 60% and the 75 and older population will also treble over the next 10 - 15 years making it impossible for people to receive end of life care in hospital.

It is so important that seniors and their families discuss end of life care as the research reveals that seniors are not afforded the end of life care they desire. Seniors have the right and preference to receive end of life care in the comfort of their own home and for this to happen it is necessary for seniors and their adult children to start communicating and address ageing issues sooner rather than later.

To help seniors and their adult children discuss end of life issues and other ageing issues, Home Instead Senior Care has launched the '40-70 campaign'. The idea is if you're 40+ and your parents are 70+, it's time to start talking about issues which can be challenging to discuss. It is important that communication between seniors and their adult children becomes clear because it directly impacts the type of care seniors receive. If you need help talking to your senior parent or ageing loved on log on to www.4070talk.com for communication help and support.