End of Life and Dementia Care

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
K/650/2170
Credits:
2
Guided learning hours:
10 hours

Aim

SFH157- The purpose of this unit is to provide the learner with the knowledge and understanding required to understand considerations for individuals with dementia at end of life.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand the care and support needs of individuals with dementia at end of life.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Outline the reasons why dementia can be regarded as a terminal illness.

  • 1.2

    Identify the indicators that an individual with dementia is approaching the terminal phase of their illness.

  • 1.3

    Compare the differences in the end of life experience of an individual with dementia to that of an individual without dementia.

  • 1.4

    Explain why it is important that end of life care for an individual with dementia must be person-centred.

    Person-centred including spiritual wellbeing.

  • 1.5

    Explain why individuals with dementia need to be supported to make advance care plans as early as possible.

2

Understand how to support individuals with dementia affected by symptoms at end of life.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Explain the symptoms which may be experienced by individuals with dementia at the end of life.

  • 2.2

    Explain why symptoms in individuals with dementia are often poorly recognised and undertreated.

  • 2.3

    Describe ways to assess whether an individual with dementia is in pain or distress.

  • 2.4

    Describe ways to support individuals with dementia to manage their symptoms at end of life using

    • Medication
    • Non medication techniques
3

Understand how to support carers of individuals with dementia at end of life.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Explain why carers may experience guilt and distress at the end of life of an individual with dementia.

  • 3.2

    Describe ways of supporting carers to understand how the end of life process may differ for individuals with dementia.

  • 3.3

    Describe how others caring for individuals with dementia may experience loss and grief.

    Others may include:

    •Team members

    •Other colleagues

    •Those who use or commission their own health or social care services

    •Families, carers and advocates

  • 3.4

    Describe ways of supporting carers when difficult decisions need to be made for individuals with dementia at end of life.

  • 3.5

    Give examples of how to support carers and others to support an individual with dementia in the final stages of their life.