The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have issued new guidelines calling for a more individualised approach to end of life that is tailored to a person’s needs and wishes, rather than a ‘tick box approach’.
NICE states that people nearing end of life should be provided with an individual care plan that involves the patient and their families. The guidelines also emphasise that dying people should be treated with respect and compassion and that doctors should not make snap decisions about their care.
Read the BBC news story here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-35094342
Dementia UK welcomes this new guidance that emphasises an individualised approach to end of life care.
Dr Karen Harrison Dening, Head of Research & Evaluation at Dementia UK and a specialist in end of life care said:
“The new guidance should help ensure more people with dementia have access to good end of life care that is tailored to their individual needs and wishes. Dementia is a complex condition that affects each individual differently and the needs and experiences of a person with dementia can differ from someone with another terminal condition. So it’s vital that their end of life care is compassionate and supports their specific needs, and those of their families. There now needs to be a greater emphasis on training and education to ensure this new guidance is put into practice effectively.”
Karen continues:
“Many people with dementia may die of another co-morbid condition such as cancer or heart disease rather than their dementia so it is of utmost importance that their end of life care is tailored to meet such multiple and complex needs. Key to supporting people with multi morbidity where dementia is one of the conditions is in expert care management.
Admiral Nurses are leaders in care management and advanced care planning in dementia. Advance care planning should be put in place while the person still has mental capacity to make advanced decisions about their future care as this will inform their individualised care plan in end of life. Families find it extremely beneficial to have this support from an Admiral Nurse who can help guide and advice on these conversations which some people can find difficult.”