Dying well with dementia: qualitative examination of end-of-life care

Background People with dementia care of poorer quality cognitively intact. Aims To define good end-of-identify how it can be UK. often die badly, receiving end-of-life than that given to those who are life care for people with dementia and delivered across care settings in the Method In-depth interviews were conducted with 27 bereaved family carers and 23 care professionals recruited from the community, care homes, general hospitals and continuing care units. Data were analysed using the constant comparison method. Results The data highlighted the challenge and imperative of 'dementia-proofing' end-of-life care for people with dementia. This requires using dementia expertise to meet physical care needs, going beyond task-focused care and prioritising planning and communication with families. Conclusions The quality of end-of-life care exists on a continuum across care settings. Together, the data reveal key elements of good end-of-life care and that staff education, supervision and specialist input can enable its provision.