Preparing for end of life

It may be difficult to think about dementia end of life care, especially, if your loved one is in the early stages of the disease. Many avoid conversations surrounding end of life, however, certain considerations could make this process more manageable. As dementia progresses, your loved one’s cognitive abilities will likely deteriorate, so it’s crucial they make important decisions early on. 

Meeting your loved one’s wishes

Looking after your loved one in the later stages of their life could involve tough choices about their care. Advance planning ensures these are made with their wishes in mind. It can help you decide how and where your loved one would like to be cared for and who they’d like to be surrounded with. An advance statement will allow them to put this in writing, alongside any religious or spiritual beliefs they’d like to implement in their care, their preferred routine and entertainment. Advance decision is another written statement, giving your loved one the right to decide on medical treatments they’d be happy to accept and those they would rather avoid. It’s important that the possibilities are discussed with a medical professional so they can make an informed choice. Furthermore, your loved one may wish to write a will and set up a lasting power of attorney for someone to make decisions on their behalf once they become incapable or after they have passed away. 

Preparing for end of life – dementia

It can often be difficult to recognise when a person enters final stages of life. For dementia sufferers in particular, it’s easy to confuse symptoms like difficulty swallowing, profound weakness, being bed-bound, appearing gaunt and more. With the help of dementia carer support, you can identify if your loved one is likely to pass away soon. Should this be the case, it’s important that friends and family members are involved, supported and communicated with sensitively, as this is a trying time for everyone. This is where your loved one’s advance statements and decisions or lasting power of attorney can guide you in adhering to their wishes. It’s important that your loved one doesn’t suffer unnecessarily, that any pain is relieved and their dignity kept in-tact. Certain medical treatments like cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and feeding tubes or drips are often deemed unsuitable in end stage dementia, however, a doctor or a nurse will be able to ensure your loved one is as comfortable as possible. Friends and family often want to be present when a loved one dies, but it’s unnecessary to force it onto those who may find it too distressing. If you’re the one spending the last moments of the dementia patient’s life with them, offer support and comfort by holding their hand and talking to them. Doing so will show that you care and respect them. You can also give regular mouth care to prevent their mouth from becoming dry and eye care to prevent their eyes from looking sticky. 

Looking after your loved one by looking after yourself

End stage dementia can bring up distressing and confusing feelings for you and your family. Make sure you seek help and support and look after yourself during this difficult time. Ensuring your needs are met will help you take care of your loved one to the best of your ability, so don’t neglect your own mental and physical wellbeing. If you have any concerns or questions about the issues discussed in this article, do not hesitate to raise them with a medical professional or care worker.