Palliative Approach to Care for People Living with Dementia: Exploring Perspectives from Health and Social Care Providers Working in Long-Term Care

A Palliative Approach to Care for People Living with Dementia: Exploring Perspectives from Health and Social Care Providers Working in Long-Term Care research project explored the current use and optimal delivery of a palliative approach to care for people with dementia living in long-term care.

A palliative approach to care is defined as care that focuses on meeting a person’s and family’s full range of needs – physical, psychosocial, and spiritual – at all stages of a chronic progressive illness. This study aim was accomplished by examining the perspectives of team members who provide direct support to residents (e.g., physicians, registered nurses, registered practical nurses, personal support workers, occupational therapists, dietitians, spiritual support persons, and recreation care aides) working in long-term care on their roles, responsibilities, and experiences in caring for people dying with/from dementia.

The information collected from this research study will help to inform palliative frameworks and programs in long-term care settings through providing a dementia-specific focus. Further, study findings can inform how we support care providers in providing this approach for persons with dementia and their families and in the emotional labour of caring for persons with dementia who are dying.