Naturalizing dying at home for older adults: A critical analysis of policy texts

Abstract

Public policy initiatives, opinion surveys, and public rhetoric in Canada suggest people wish to die at home. Discourse analysis of statements, policies, reports, and websites of municipal, provincial, and federal governments show how public policy narratives reflect specific understandings of dying at home. Dying is positioned as best kept within the private “home” space. Though frequently framed as a choice, subtle rhetoric also prioritizes home as the ideal place for care at the end of life, and death. Home death preferences are naturalized as common‐sense. Along with more nuance in policy communications, transparency in how evidence informs policy is needed.