<h3>Introduction</h3> Homelessness is associated with death at a young age, frequently related to physical and mental health problems complicated by drug or alcohol dependence (Stringfellow et al., 2015). Homeless people experience high symptom burden at the end-of-life (Tobey et al., 2016), yet access to palliative care services is limited (Shulman et al., In press). Conversations around future wishes and preferences with homeless people rarely take place.</p><h3>Aim</h3><p>To explore the barriers to conversations about the future with unwell homeless people and alternative approaches to these difficult conversations.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Focus groups and interviews were used to explore views and experiences around palliative care with currently and formerly homeless people (n=38), healthcare professionals (n=32), hostel and outreach staff (n=39) and drug and alcohol workers (n=4), from three London boroughs. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Three themes were identified relating to the challenges of discussing future care preferences: the recovery focused nature of services; uncertainty around when and how to have conversations; fear of negative impact on the homeless person and staff.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>There is little acknowledgement, discussion or planning around the health needs of unwell homeless people who are at risk of dying, reducing opportunities for person-centred care. An approach that considers current and continuing care needs that accommodates potential improvements and deterioration is needed. Identifying those whose health is a concern, rather than those thought to be imminently dying may help to ensure the wishes and choices of homeless people are respected, if their health deteriorates.</p>