What Is End of Life Care With Dementia?

When a person living with dementia approaches the end of their life, compassionate and specialised care becomes essential to ensure their comfort, dignity, and quality of life. At KYN, we understand the complexities and emotional difficulties that come with providing end of life care for people living with dementia. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to offering personalised support and guidance throughout this difficult journey.

End-of-Life Dementia Care 

End-of-life care for people living with dementia focuses on maintaining the individual's comfort and quality of life while managing symptoms and providing emotional support to both the person and their loved ones. This type of care is typically provided when someone is in the advanced stages of living with dementia and is nearing the end of their life.

Understanding the Later Stages of Dementia

Individuals may experience a range of symptoms that indicate they are entering the later stages of living with dementia. These symptoms can vary from person to person and may develop gradually over many months or even years. It's crucial to recognise these signs to ensure appropriate care and support are provided. Some common indicators that a person living with dementia may be nearing the end of life include:

• Reduced appetite and difficulty swallowing
• Increased frailty and weight loss
• Limited mobility, often requiring bed or chair care
• Frequent infections, particularly chest infections or urinary tract infections
• Reduced communication and withdrawal from social interactions
• Increased drowsiness and sleeping
• Incontinence
• Agitation or restlessness

It's important to note that these symptoms may also be indicative of other treatable conditions, such as pain or delirium. If you're unsure about any changes in the person's condition, it's always best to consult with their GP or healthcare professional for guidance.

Providing Comfort and Managing Symptoms

As a person living with dementia nears the end of their life, the focus of care shifts from active treatment to comfort and symptom management. This approach, often referred to as palliative care, aims to improve the quality of life for both the person living with dementia and their loved ones. Key aspects of comfort care include:

Pain management

People living with advanced dementia may have difficulty communicating pain, so it's essential to be vigilant for non-verbal signs of discomfort. Healthcare professionals can provide guidance on appropriate pain relief methods.

Nutrition and hydration

As swallowing difficulties become more pronounced, it's important to focus on comfort rather than nutrition. Offer small amounts of favourite foods or drinks, and use techniques like ice chips or artificial saliva sprays to keep the mouth comfortable.

Skin care

With reduced mobility, pressure sores can become a concern. Regular repositioning and the use of pressure-relieving mattresses can help prevent skin breakdown.

Managing infections

While antibiotics may be prescribed for comfort, the decision to treat infections aggressively should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the person's overall condition and previously expressed wishes.

Emotional Support

End-of-life care for people living with dementia extends beyond physical comfort to include emotional support. Even if the person is no longer able to communicate verbally, they may still be aware of their surroundings and derive comfort from familiar presences and sensations. Ways to provide emotional support include:

• Maintaining a calm and soothing environment
• Playing favourite music or reading aloud
• Gentle touch, such as hand-holding or soft massage
• Surrounding the person with familiar objects or photographs
• Respecting and accommodating any religious or spiritual beliefs

It's also important to provide support to family members and friends during this time. Encourage open communication about fears and concerns, and offer resources for grief counselling if needed.

The Role of Professional Care

As the needs of a person living with advanced dementia become more complex, professional care often becomes necessary. This may involve:

1. Home care services: Providing support in the person's own home, allowing them to remain in familiar surroundings.
2. Care home placement: Offering 24-hour care in a specialised environment.
3. Hospice care: Providing expert end-of-life care, either in a hospice facility or at home.

Specialised Dementia Care at KYN

End-of-life care for people living with dementia is a complex and emotionally difficult journey. By focusing on comfort, dignity, and respect for the individual's wishes, we can ensure that their final days are as peaceful and meaningful as possible. At KYN, we are committed to providing exceptional care and support to individuals living with dementia and their families throughout this difficult time. If you're seeking guidance on end-of-life care for a loved one living with dementia, or if you'd like to learn more about our specialised dementia care services, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to support you every step of the way.