Good communication with family of people with dementia at end of life: reflections of an Admiral Nurse

As the incidence of dementia is increasing, so health and social care professionals are facing a challenge to deliver good quality end-of-life care. Historically, it is not an area that has been afforded much attention until recently, but interventions such as Admiral Nursing are well placed and equipped to work with and support families at this time. It is essential, in supporting a family to live as well as they can following a diagnosis of dementia, to facilitate dying well with or from dementia. This article uses a case study approach, combined with professional reflective practice, to explore the importance of good communication in the last few months, weeks and days of life in a family affected by dementia.