End-of-life care: A qualitative study comparing the views of people with dementia and family carers:

Background:In recent years, UK policy has increasingly recognised the importance of end-of-life care in dementia. While professional consensus on optimal palliative care in dementia has been reported, little is known about the perspectives of people with dementia and family carers.Aim:To compare the views of people with dementia and family carers of people with dementia (current and recently bereaved) on optimal end-of-life care.Design:Qualitative interviews (32) and a focus group were conducted. Data were thematically analysed.Setting/participants:Participants comprised people with early stage dementia, living at home in the north-east of England (n = 11); and current and bereaved carers (n = 25) from six services providing end-of-life care in England.Findings:Seven areas were identified as important to end-of-life care for people with dementia and/or family carers. People with dementia and carers expressed the need for receiving care in place, ensuring comfort and a skilled care team. However, they disa...