Book: Course Summary

The first book looked at terms and definitions we use in later stage dementia care. 

The term later stage dementia care was explored, and we noted that it can be difficult to determine 'late stage'. We suggested we would use the term 'later stage dementia' to describe people who have had dementia for some years. Whereas the term 'end of life stage' is  used to describe the last months and weeks and days of the person with dementia, just before death. 

We then looked at some of the symptoms of later stage, and suggested that people in later stages can have and live with these symptoms for many years. And of course this makes it very difficult for family carers to plan and put things in place for the end of someone's life. 

We talked about person-centred care in a little more detail, and again we looked at the principles of person-centred care which include choice, dignity, empowerment, quality of life, independence and positive well-being.

We then talked about palliative care as an approach to care that improves the quality of life for patients and their families through the prevention and relief of suffering, and the importance of early intervention and treatment of pain. The principles of palliative care are important too and include comfort, love, support, quality of life, relief from pain, person-centred care and life affirmation.

Click on the Book: Introduction to read the full book.