This pilot study explored the feasibility and acceptability of a stage-tailored motivational interviewing intervention with education that focuses on changes in end-of-life (EOL) communication, completion of advance directives (ADs), and readiness for advance care planning (ACP).

One group pretest–posttest design was implemented with 30 low-income older adults.

This pilot study showed its feasibility in enhancing ACP. Action for ACP—that is, identifying a proxy for decision making and documenting EOL treatment preference in an AD—increased significantly by 23.3% (n = 7). The participants’ readiness for ACP, knowledge, self-efficacy, positive attitudes, and perceived importance of ACP increased significantly after the intervention.

Health care professionals and service providers who interact with older adults should tailor ACP dialogues in accordance with individuals’ motivation.