Palliative and End of Life Care in Dementia
This module will introduce you to Palliative and End of Life Care in dementia. Dementia is a life-limiting condition which means the condition worsens over time and eventually leads to death.
Overview
About this Course
This module will introduce you to Palliative and End of Life Care in dementia. Dementia is a life-limiting condition which means the condition worsens over time and eventually leads to death. It is important to understand that changed behaviour may signify the continued progression of the person’s dementia as they approach the end of life. As dementia progresses, signs are evident and people may express themselves in ways that seem confusing. These changes can be subtle, gradual or sometimes sudden. Learning to recognise the signs of advancing dementia towards end of life can enable increased attention to ensuring comfort for the person.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this module, staff should be able to:
- Recognise that changed behaviour in the person living with dementia, receiving palliative care, can be related to distress caused by symptoms associated with end of life.
- Recognise the physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual needs of a person living with dementia.
- Adapt care so that comfort becomes the focus when providing care.
Course Details
AcknowledgementsShow this section
This project aimed to develop a resource that will compliment the suite of resources available through Government funded palliative and aged care advisory services. Acknowledgement goes to ELDAC, PACOP, PEPA and Ageing Australia, who have been integral in providing expert subject matter guidance in the development of this resource.
The role of these organisations is to support palliative care and advance care planning to improve the care of older Australians, and PACOP (Palliative Aged Care Outcomes Program) who offer support to improve outcomes of all Australians in aged care homes with a focus on end of life care.
The support of these organisations has allowed the development of this important resource to support caregivers to understand the changing nature of dementia, to forward plan and ensure that quality person centred care is embedded in all areas of support for the older person.
This new resource will increase capacity of the RAC workforce to understand, recognise and respond to the unique care needs of a person living with dementia at end of life.
Learn with DTA
Benefits of Learning with DTA
- Increase your knowledge of dementia
- Ongoing access to review course content
- Real life examples to help you put knowledge into practice
- Learn anytime, anywhere
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Version history
- Published: 29 Apr 2026
- Version: 1.0