Loss and Grief in Dementia

Contents
Glossary of Terms 2
1. Background and Context 4
2. Introduction 6
3. Four key considerations to inform good practice 9
3.1 Be aware that loss and grief are fundamental parts of the dementia experience 10
3.2 Develop knowledge about loss and grief 12
3.3 Recognise and respond to loss and grief when you encounter it 15
3.4 Reflect on how loss and grief affects you in your work 15
4. Guidance and resources 17
4.1 Responding to loss and grief 17
4.2 Supporting the person with dementia experiencing loss and grief 22
4.3 Supporting families with loss and grief 46
4.4 Supporting yourself as a healthcare staff 56
5. Additional Resources 63
5.1 Factsheet on loss and grief in dementia 63
5.2 Understanding the progression of dementia 65
5.3 Responding to difficult end-of-life questions 68
5.4 Supporting families at end-of-life 70
5.5 Caring for yourself in end-of-life care work 72
6. Appendices 74
Appendix 1: Membership of the Expert Advisory Group and the Project Advisory Group 74
Appendix 2: Methodology 76
Appendix 3: List of submissions received during consultation process 80
Appendix 4: List of support organisations in Ireland 81
7. References 82
Loss and Grief in Dementia