Care of the Dying Patient with Dementia for HCAs

This course provides an overview of the holistic needs of the person with dementia, as they approach the dying phase, providing evidence based recommendations on how to best manage the possible challenges.

Content

What is dementia?

Where does dementia fit in palliative and End of Life Care?

Communication skills

Advance Care Planning

Spirituality/finding meaning

Recognising dying

Pain and dementia

Losses associated with dementia

Reflection

Aims and Outcomes

At the end of the course. participants will be able to -

• Understand that Dementia is a life limiting illness which requires a palliative care approach
• Identify appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication techniques which may be beneficial in making an assessment of care needs
• Describe the importance of early advance care planning when identifying the preferences and wishes of the individual with dementia
• Understand the challenges in identifying dying in the patient with dementia and the prognostic indictor tools which may assist this process
• Understand the impact on the family/those important to them when faced with the potential losses associated with dementia.
• Demonstrate an awareness of verbal and non-verbal signs of pain
• Explain how pain may be managed effectively using a variety of methods
• Reflect on own practice and identify learning which will assist in implementing change within their clinical setting