At some point, all individuals living with dementia will need end-of-life care, often referred to as palliative care. This care can be provided in the comfort of their home or in a specialised care environment. Dementia is a progressive neurological condition that gradually affects memory, behaviour, and cognitive abilities. As the condition advances, it can make daily tasks and self-care increasingly difficult, impacting a person’s overall quality of life.
Palliative care offers a compassionate approach, focused on providing the best possible quality of life and tailored support to help manage each day. At Group Homes Australia (GHA), we offer both palliative and dementia care services, with an understanding of the unique comfort and care needed as dementia progresses. We are here to guide you through the role of palliative care and how it can support individuals living with advanced dementia
What is advanced dementia?
Advanced dementia is a term used for the later stages of dementia where cognitive and physical functions are more severely affected. While everybody’s journey is different, it is typically acknowledged that a person living with advanced dementia will experience significant memory loss, difficulty communicating, loss of mobility and behavioural changes.
These later stages of dementia can be difficult for family members, support partners and caregivers, and managing a loved one’s symptoms requires care and compassion. At GHA, our approach to dementia care is very personalised, focused on providing the best quality of life possible on each given day.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is a gentle and supportive approach for individuals facing end of life. It is often provided to those in the advanced stages of an illness or when recovery is no longer possible. Unlike treatments that aim to cure, palliative care focuses on enhancing a person’s comfort, relieving pain, and improving their overall quality of life.
Dementia is a progressive and irreversible condition, and in many ways, the care provided mirrors the principles of palliative care. While not everyone living with dementia will require formal palliative care, the goal of all dementia care should always be centered on the person – helping them manage their symptoms and maintain the best possible quality of life each day.
Palliative care also extends its support to families, caregivers, and loved ones, offering comfort and guidance as they navigate the journey alongside the person with dementia
Types of palliative care services
At Group Homes Australia, we understand that end of life is a deeply personal journey, and we believe that palliative care should be as unique as the individual receiving it. At its heart, palliative care must first address a person’s physical needs, offering comfort and relief from pain during their final days. Equally important is caring for their emotional and psychological wellbeing, providing gentle support through the difficult moments.
We also recognise that families and support partners need compassion and care during this time, and we are here to support them too, helping them navigate this tender chapter with grace and understanding.
Addressing physical needs
As dementia advances, a person may find it harder to manage everyday tasks, and their physical abilities may gradually decline. Palliative care gently supports these changes, focusing on meeting a person’s physical and self-care needs with dignity and respect, while honouring their independence for as long as possible.
A key part of this care is ensuring comfort through thoughtful pain management. Whether through medication, physical therapy, or other approaches, the goal is to ease discomfort and bring a sense of peace. As physical strength diminishes, we also recognize the emotional toll this can take, and palliative care provides gentle, compassionate support for both body and mind.
Emotional and psychological support
Palliative care for dementia is about so much more than physical comfort – it’s about creating a space where emotional needs are held with care and compassion. Many people living with dementia face feelings of depression, anxiety, agitation, and behavioural changes that can be overwhelming. Providing emotional support, whether through counselling or simply offering a safe, comforting environment, is crucial.
Personalised palliative care ensures that these deeper, often unmet needs are addressed, helping people navigate the psychological challenges they may encounter. And through it all, it’s important to remember there are still good moments to cherish. Those moments of connection, laughter, and warmth matter deeply. Focusing on the positive not only uplifts those living with dementia but also helps preserve their emotional wellbeing.
Cherishing the beauty that remains allows us all to lean into the vulnerability of this journey with love and courage.
Support for families, support partners and caregivers
As dementia progresses, some families require additional support in order to provide the best care for their loved ones. Palliative care programs also offer education and resources to families, and Flexible Respite can often be a much-needed break and opportunity to plan the next stage. There may come a time to consider permanent care, and families should always feel confident that there are caring, compassionate palliative care options available.
Want to know more about palliative care for dementia?
Supporting a loved one with advanced dementia can be difficult for family members, particularly when the time comes to discuss permanent or palliative care. Group Homes Australia provides support for people living with dementia and their families. From Flexible Respite to palliative care, our compassionate approach ensures your loved one is fully supported through their journey.
If you would like to know more about our palliative care and dementia services, please contact us today. We appreciate that each person has unique needs, and our personalised programs support everybody on their own terms.
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