Dementia Support Line
What might the idea of a 'good death' mean for a person with dementia?
From the December 2015/January 2016 issue of our magazine, advance planning for the end of life may be particularly beneficial for a person with dementia, though death can remain a difficult subject to address. We consider the idea of a 'good death'.
I heard someone on the radio talk recently about a "good death". What does this mean and can someone with dementia have one?
The modern view of a 'good death' developed out of the hospice movement. It recognises that death is a natural aspect of life.
Such topics are still taboo for many people and everyone will differ. For most of us, a good death means being treated with compassion, being kept comfortable and free from distressing symptoms, and being somewhere we know with people who are close to us.
Additional challenges
Achieving such a death can be difficult, and dementia may make things harder still. This is partly because how dementia progresses in its final stages can be very unpredictable and so more difficult to plan for.
The fact that a person with advanced dementia may have limited ability for verbal communication – for example to express their wishes – is a further challenge. However, there is still much that can be done.
Forward planning
There are various legal tools that can help people to plan ahead. These include advance decisions and various powers of attorney, details of which vary between England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A good death will be a little easier if the person has already talked with their family about issues such as where they would prefer to die.
Care professionals
Sensitive and honest communications with the professionals involved in the person's care are vital. Knowing what might happen next means that family members, and where possible the person with dementia, are prepared and can take part in difficult discussions with greater understanding.
Professionals should always involve family members in decisions about the person, and the person themselves as far as is practicable.
End of life care factsheet
While it may be upsetting to think about, having important conversations with the person with dementia, and planning ahead, can mean they have a better experience at the end of their life. Read our factsheet online, download a PDF version or order a printed copy.
Ola
saysKath Woodley
saysDo you have any articles about carer abuse by those dementia patients who have home carers? This is a real problem for carers who have to deal with this abuse from their loved ones
Alzheimer's Society
saysHi Kath,
Thanks for your comment. We have a range of resources that you might find helpful.
We have some tips on preventing and managing aggressive behaviour in people with dementia, which you can read online or order a copy by post here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/sym…
If you are concerned about abuse, or require support, please know that you can always call our support line on 0333 150 3456 to speak with one of our trained dementia advisers. They can listen to you and provide specific information, advice and support. You can find more details about the support line (including opening hours) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
You might also want to contact Hourglass, who provide support for abuse to older people: https://wearehourglass.org/who-we-are
Finally, you might benefit from joining our online community, Talking Point, where carers and other people affected by dementia can share their experiences. You can browse the conversations within the community or sign up for free: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk
We hope this helps, Kath.
Alzheimer's Society blog team