Aim To explore the views and experiences of staff from RACFs and community palliative care services (CPCSs) on providing palliative and end‐of‐life care in RACFs. Method Qualitative exploratory interviews and focus groups were conducted with staff working in two RACFs and two CPCSs, and, following data saturation, a thematic analysis undertaken. Results 15 RACF and 15 CPCS staff participated. The overarching theme was of managing expectations in the provision of care. This included low expectations of the care available in RACFs, tensions in addressing complex decision‐making and concurrent administrative expectations, and differences between views of RACF and CPCS staff regarding their respective roles. Conclusion Improved understanding of the needs of RACF staff will improve the care of residents and, in turn, reduce hospitalisations.