People with dementia need increasingly specialised support as they approach the end of life, and so too do their families and the professionals working with them. This book describes not only what can be done to ensure maximum quality of life for those in the final stages of the illness, but also how best to support those involved in caring for them.Emphasising the importance of being attuned to the experiences and needs of the person with dementia, the authors explain why and how they should be included in decisions relating to their end of life care. Practical strategies for ensuring physical and emotional wellbeing are provided, drawing on useful examples from practice and providing solutions to potential challenges that carers and family members will face. Dilemmas surrounding end of life care are explored in detail, including the moral dilemma of medical intervention, and the authors suggest ways of supporting family members through the process in terms of providing information, helping them adjust to change and loss, and involving them in their relative's care, and at how care staff can be supported through appropriate education and training, team building and information-giving.This is an essential resource for anyone who wishes to provide compassionate, person-centred care for a person with dementia as they approach the end of life, including care staff, nurses, social workers and related professionals.

Professor Murna Downs is Chair of the School of Dementia Studies at the University of Bradford, UK. Laura Middleton-Green is a lecturer in palliative and end of life care at the School of Dementia Studies, University of Bradford, UK. Jane Chatterjee is a Practice Educator/Lecturer at St. Gemma's Hospice, Leeds, UK. Sarah Russell is Head of Research and Clinical Innovation at Hospice UK.

Foreword. Introduction. 1. Transitions. 2. Promoting Dignity and Physical Wellbeing at the End of life. 3. Promoting Dignity and Emotional Wellbeing at the End of Life. 4. Supporting Families through Advanced Dementia and End of Life. 5. Supporting the Health and Social Care Workforce to Provide End of Life Care for People with Dementia. References. Index.