Exploring End-of-Life Dementia Care in Residential Care Settings: Toward a Relational Model
2024

Exploring End-of-Life Dementia Care in Residential Settings

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Kontos Pia, Dupuis Sherry, Colobong Romeo, Delaney Erin, Gertin Robin, Engell Katia, MacTavish Erica

Primary Institution: KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute – University Health Network; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto

Hypothesis

Relational approaches can improve end-of-life care for people living with dementia.

Conclusion

Relational approaches to end-of-life care can enhance the quality of care for people living with dementia by prioritizing relationships and honoring their experiences.

Supporting Evidence

  • Relational approaches can reduce stigma associated with dementia and death.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of relationships in end-of-life care.
  • Arts-based methods were used to engage people living with dementia.

Takeaway

This study shows that caring for people with dementia at the end of their lives can be better if we focus on their relationships and experiences.

Methodology

Arts-based research conversations were conducted with people living with dementia in residential care settings, analyzed using a participatory framework.

Limitations

The study highlights the limited research on end-of-life care for people living with dementia in Canada.

Participant Demographics

People living with dementia in residential care settings in Ontario, Canada.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2387

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