dying to talk

Introduction

Dementia is a life limiting condition.

People with dementia should have

opportunities to make informed

decisions about their future care at an

early stage in their journey and have

their palliative care needs addressed.

Healthcare staff may feel unequipped

in discussing end-of-life care with

people with dementia. Planning future

care can optimise comfort care at end

of life.

Authors: Cronin, S., Lynch, M., Collins, C., Maguire, L., O’Donnell, N.,

Quinn, A., Timmons, Dr. S & Barber, J.

Aim

The aim of this guidance document

is to inform and guide healthcare

staff in initiating and facilitating

discussion relating to future and end-

of-life care with people who have

dementia.

Method

1. • Expert Advisory Group

convened

2. • Literature review completed

using a systematic search strategy

3. • Key themes collated to inform

key considerations and guidance areas

4. • Draft document prepared for

public consultation

5. • Document finalised and consultation report prepared

Results

This guidance document has five key

considerations for good practice in

communicating with a person with

dementia. These should be applied as

foundation knowledge for all staff

supporting a person with dementia. This

is by four areas of guidance on

facilitating discussions on future and

end-of-life care with a person with

dementia.

Dying to Talk:

Facilitating discussions on future

and end-of-life care with a person

with dementia

5 Key Considerations to Inform Good Practice

1.Recognise that communication with a person with dementia is always possible

2.Develop knowledge about the progression of dementia and key triggers for end-

of-life care discussions

3.Plan future care to optimise comfort

4.Promote personhood throughout the person’s journey

5.Record future wishes when they are expressed

4 Guidance Areas

Effective Communication

Skills

Capitalise on informal

opportunities

Hosting formal family

meetings

Facilitating discussions

The guidance document and an accompanying factsheet is available to download on

www.hospicefoundation.ie