With the increasing number of Australians developing dementia, the need for people living with dementia and their carers to plan ahead for their future care is paramount.
New international research released by Advance Care Planning Australia (ACPA), has revealed many carers are unprepared and distressed about end-of-life decisions that fall to them – in some cases carers reporting that they feel they are causing the death of their loved one under the stress and strain being endured.
Acknowledging the findings Dementia Australia CEO, Maree McCabe said the new research shows dementia carers require more support and guidance to navigate end-of-life care for their loved living with dementia.
"When the person with dementia is nearing the end of their life the experience for a carer often becomes even more challenging and distressing," Ms McCabe said.
"It is important that the best interests and future care needs of the person living with dementia are arranged and communicated well in advance.
"Having up-front discussions about end-of-life care as early as is comfortable is key so the person with dementia can be directly involved in decisions made about their future care requirements as the symptoms progress.
"And then when the time comes the carer or carers will have the peace of mind and confidence that they are fulfilling on the wishes of their loved one."
