7. End of life - connecting with the person



The Later Stage of Dementia is a time to transcend traditional modes of care and create a compassionate environment in which somebody can experience a peaceful end of life and death.

People with dementia may be unable to communicate their needs directly but the physical senses remain. People with dementia can feel, touch, smell scents, and hear sounds albeit in an altered or diminished capacity. It is possible to create a meaningful environment that respects the person within. This time allows for the creation of opportunities for connection and compassionate care using the senses. Let's look at some of these senses now.