Most people in the later stages of dementia need total care and usually receive this in a residential facility. Some families and carers though do choose to care for the person at home.
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.
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