Do people with dementia die at their preferred location of death? A systematic literature review and narrative synthesis

Abstract

this study on place of death raises exploratory questions on end-of-life care for patients with dementia which has implications on health and social care policies related to dementia.

International Variation in Place of Death of Older People Who Died From Dementia in 14 European and non-European Countries

“…For the other countries, one possible explanation might be that older people with dementia who are more highly educated, or married, as well as those aged 65 to 79 and men in general, are more likely to reside at home, but are unable to remain there until the very end of life, resulting in an end-of-life hospital admission and hospital death. 9,36,38 One Dutch study found that for older people, 2 main scenarios were likely: residing in a nursing home, lowering the chances of hospital death, or staying at home as long as possible, with a higher likelihood of hospital death. 39 Consequently, it could be suggested that among older people with dementia, those who are most likely to reside at home, in particular, should be supported by specialist palliative care services to reduce the number of hospital deaths.…”

152Supporting People with Dementia to Die at Home in Ireland

“…• Having a supportive GP who discusses preferences with people about their future and end-of-life care, shares this information and is flexible in relation to providing home visits/ telephone support to the family (11,19,20).…”

Impact of dementia on quality of death among cancer patients: An observational study of home palliative care users

“…The presence of dementia may interfere with meeting the person's prior preferences for dying because of decision‐making challenges (e.g. place of death and symptom management) . However, research concerning the influence of comorbid cancer and dementia on patients’ quality of death is scarce; consequently, we explored this association in the present study.…”