Palliative and end-of-life care for people living with dementia in care homes: part 2.

This article, the second of two, provides healthcare practitioners with an overview of best practice in palliative and end-of-life care, including nutrition, hydration, oral hygiene and pain management. Communication and spiritual care are discussed, as well as care after death. Providing support and education for families is an important aspect of palliative and end-of-life care. Care home nurses should ensure that the person living with dementia is at the centre of decision making, and provide care that is inclusive of their needs and wishes. The article is framed in a care home context; there is little research about how to optimise palliative care for people living with dementia in care homes.