Care of the Dying Patient with Dementia for Nurses and AHPs

This course provides the necessary knowledge and information to equip staff with confidence in how to manage the holistic needs of the person with dementia, as they approach the dying phase. Research has shown that the end of life care needs of this patient group and their families, are poorly understood and frequently unaddressed.

Content

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

Communication skills

Advance Care Planning

Spirituality/finding meaning

Recognising dying

Symptoms at the end of life

Nutrition and Hydration

Losses associated with dementia

Reflection

Aims and Outcomes

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

• Understand where dementia fits within a palliative care arena
• Demonstrate effective communication techniques which will assist the assessment of needs of a patient with advanced dementia
• 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.
• List examples of pain assessment tools appropriate for use with dementia patients
• Describe evidence based approaches to pharmacological management of pain in dementia and the benefits of utilising non pharmacological intervention
• Increase knowledge in relation to assessment and management of other symptoms which may occur at the end of life
• Reflect on own practice and identify learning which will assist in implementing change within their clinical setting