Advance care planning in dementia: recommendations for healthcare professionals. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harrison Dening, Karen; Sampson, Elizabeth L; De Vries, Kay
• Is Part Of: Palliative care. Volume 12(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: advance care planning -- decision-making -- dementia -- healthcare practice; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Palliative Care; Terminal Care; Palliative treatment; Terminal care; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.029
• DOI: 10.1177/1178224219826579
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1178-2242

Abstract

The process of advance care planning in dementia is far from straightforward; as dementia progresses, the ability to consider future thoughts and actions becomes compromised, thus affecting decision-making abilities. Family carers find themselves increasingly in a position where they need to inform, or directly make, decisions on behalf of the person with dementia. This article discusses the context and importance of a palliative care approach and recommends rationales and strategies for healthcare professionals to support families affected by dementia to better plan for their future care.