ABSTRACT
Ending refers to ceasing contact with the older client and their system. Many of the older people have few, if any, close confiding relationships. Because of their life stage, they have often experienced multiple endings, including deaths of significant friends and family members. Their previous experience of endings, including finishing with services, loss of family and friends, and their own journey towards the end of life informed their feeling and responded to terminating contact. This chapter discusses Eleanor's attempts to enable Marianne to stay connected with, rather than to disconnect from, the day centre community was valued. Since then, a formal opportunity was set up to make use of older clients' experience, wisdom, and creative ideas through a consultation forum. As an older woman, Marianne was well practised at endings. Drawing on wealth of experience throughout her long life, she learned "sudden and quick" endings that made her feel like a loss.
