There are lots of books being published about dementia right now and most do add value to the body of literature available but not all are as readable and accessible as the new offering from the University of Bradford’s School of Dementia Studies.
End of Life Care for People with Dementia: A Person-Centred Approach is edited by Murna Downs, Head of the School of Dementia Studies, and provides a jargon-free evidence-based guide relevant to all those that care for people with dementia.
This well-referenced and up-to-date resource describes the challenges in providing compassionate end of life care to people with dementia and each chapter is illustrated with real-world case studies.
The chapters start with clear and achievable learning outcomes and end with key points to encourage recall and reflection. The authors tackle the challenges from all angles with chapters on transitions, physical wellbeing and dignity, emotional wellbeing and dignity, supporting families and supporting the health and social care workforce.
As you journey through the book, a holistic approach to care emerges, with practical examples and solutions to common obstacles. The remit is wide but the volume is concise and includes the ethical dilemmas that arise.
The Alzheimer’s Society estimate that one in 14 of the population aged 65 or over will be diagnosed with dementia and this book provides a credible resource for all the professional carers involved.
The UK’s projected demographic ageing means there are likely to be over one million people living with dementia by 2025 and this figure doubles by 2051.
Care home staff – around 60 percent of people with dementia die in care homes – will find this title highly suitable with its lean format and inbuilt learning tools, but there is also insightful information for the multi-professional teams involved in end of life care.
Murna Downs and her team should be commended for this book, which I’m sure will be well-used at Princess Alice Hospice and the care homes that we support.
Leave a Reply