Planning for end of life Talking about end of life can be difficult. It isn’t always easy to face the thought that a loved one will pass away and broaching the subject can be painful. However, openness and positive planning can help everyone prepare and bring comfort as the dementia symptoms progress. This can be achieved by discussing, sharing and understanding the wishes of the person with dementia.
Dementia is a progressive condition which, unfortunately, doesn’t have a cure. It is classed as a terminal illness, which people may not realise or want to accept. Early diagnosis, followed by honest conversations and careful planning, are essential. Although they may not be the easiest of conversations, ultimately, it should help the person with dementia to feel confident that their preferences and concerns around death are known and will be acted upon when the time comes. It can help to reduce anxiety and also give any family carers the confidence to make important decisions when needed, because you have all openly discussed the wishes of the person with dementia.
DISCUSSING END OF LIFE PLANS If I could do something differently, I would have found out more about dementia, and discussed and documented end of life wishes, while my mother-in-law still had mental capacity.
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People deal with end of life considerations in different ways and there’s no right or wrong approach. When someone has a dementia diagnosis, they may immediately wish to get their affairs in order and make plans for their will and estate. Or they may not want to address www.carechoices.co.uk/dementia
