Abstract

People with dementia need increasingly specialised support as they approach the end of life, and so too do their families and the professionals working with them. This book describes not only what can be done to ensure maximum quality of life for those in the final stages of the illness, but also how best to support those involved in caring for them.

Emphasising the importance of being attuned to the experiences and needs of the person with dementia, the authors explain why and how they should be included in decisions relating to their end of life care. Practical strategies for ensuring physical and emotional wellbeing are provided, drawing on useful examples from practice and providing solutions to potential challenges that carers and family members will face. Dilemmas surrounding end of life care are explored in detail, including the moral dilemma of medical intervention, and the authors suggest ways of supporting family members through the process in terms of providing information, helping them adjust to change and loss, and involving them in their relative's care, and at how care staff can be supported through appropriate education and training, team building and information-giving.

This is an essential resource for anyone who wishes to provide compassionate, person-centred care for a person with dementia as they approach the end of life, including care staff, nurses, social workers and related professionals.

This book offers concise and practical guidance on caring for people with dementia who are reaching the end of their lives, promoting dignity and the needs of lay (family and friend) and professional carers. It offers clear learning outcomes, case studies and examples of good practice to bring this knowledge into every day care.
Dr Elizabeth Sampson, Reader, Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London
There are lots of books being published about dementia right now and most do add value to the body of literature available but not all are as readable and accessible as the new offering from the University of Bradford's School of Dementia Studies. [...] Murna Downs and her team should be commended for this book [...].
Celia Di Cicco
Princess Alice Hospice
Professor Murna Downs is Chair of the School of Dementia Studies at the University of Bradford, UK. Laura Middleton-Green is a lecturer in palliative and end of life care at the School of Dementia Studies, University of Bradford, UK. Jane Chatterjee is a Practice Educator/Lecturer at St. Gemma's Hospice, Leeds, UK. Sarah Russell is Head of Research and Clinical Innovation at Hospice UK.
This splendid book contains practical information - clinical, psychological, social, legal, social, spiritual and ethical - which is combined with wisdom and background understanding so that a thoroughly holistic picture emerges. It also encourages thought about training in the complex field of end of life care for people living with dementia.
Julian C. Hughes, RICE Professor of Old Age Psychiatry, University of Bristol
The care of people with advanced dementia is an increasingly important area of end-of-life care. This book provides a practical and well referenced overview of the key issues, using accessible case studies to illustrate key points. I look forward to using it in palliative care education and as an excellent source for reference.
Jane Seymour, Professor of Palliative and End of Life Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield