If someone is in the later stages of dementia and becomes seriously ill, there may be discussion about whether to actively treat their illness.
Ways of intervening may include resuscitation after a heart attack, antibiotic treatment for pneumonia, or giving food or liquids by mouth.
Giving or withholding treatment is a serious decision to make for someone else and is not an easy one to make. You need to consider:
Sometimes the decision can only be made by a guardian (sometimes called managers or administrators) appointed by a tribunal or court.
Each state and territory has different regulations but medical staff or Dementia Australia can advise you about appropriate contacts.
