Table 3.
Topics that contribute to preparation for end of life: discussions and provided information
| In Leaflet Form | Verbally with All Patients | Verbally with All Carers | If Raised by a Patient/Carer | During Carer Support Groupsa | During Carer Education Groupsb | No | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N (%) | ||||||||
| The nature of dementia as a progressive illness | 40 (87) | 40 (87) | 41 (89) | 16 (34.8) | 22 (78.6) | 27 (87.1) | 0 (0) | 5 (10.9) |
| The nature of dementia as a terminal illness | 22 (47.8) | 17 (37.0) | 19 (41.3) | 29 (63.0) | 15 (53.6) | 16 (51.6) | 4 (8.7) | 2 (4.3) |
| Spirituality or interpretations of the meaning of death | 8 (17.4) | 5 (10.9) | 5 (10.9) | 29 (63.0) | 6 (21.4) | 5 (16.1) | 13 (28.3) | 3 (6.5) |
| The importance of support for carers from their social network | 30 (65.2) | 28 (60.9) | 36 (78.3) | 12 (26.1) | 22 (78.6) | 27 (87.1) | 1 (2.2) | 3 (6.5) |
| The meaning and implications of “loss of mental capacity” | 31 (67.4) | 27 (58.7) | 28 (60.9) | 26 (56.5) | 18 (64.3) | 20 (64.5) | 0 (0) | 4 (8.7) |
| Advance care planning discussions about the patient's future wishes | 31 (67.4) | 31 (67.4) | 29 (63.0) | 25 (54.3) | 19 (67.9) | 22 (71.0) | 2 (4.3) | 5 (10.9) |
| Legal health and medical care arrangements in anticipation of loss of capacity (eg, health and welfare attorney, advance statements) | 38 (82.6) | 35 (76.1) | 33 (71.7) | 22 (47.8) | 21 (75.0) | 26 (83.9) | 1 (2.2) | 4 (8.7) |
| Legal financial arrangements in anticipation of loss of capacity (eg, property/financial affairs attorney) | 36 (78.3) | 32 (69.6) | 34 (73.9) | 21 (45.7) | 20 (71.4) | 25 (80.7) | 1 (2.2) | 4 (8.7) |
N = 46 unless otherwise marked.
a
Only services reporting running a carer support group are included; therefore, n = 28.
b
Only services reporting running a carer education group are included; therefore, n = 31.