Author: Yolanda Penders
Date: 28-10-2016
Promotor: Prof. dr. Lieve Van den Block
Co-Promotors: Prof. dr. Luc Deliens
SUMMARY OF THE DISSERTATION
Background
To have an accurate view of the end-of-life care received by older people is necessary to inform policy makers and practitioners on how to face the challenges posed by an ageing population.
Aims
This dissertation aims to fill the knowledge gaps that currently exist regarding end-of-life care for older people, including people living and dying with dementia.
Methods
Using population-based data from multiple studies and quantitative analyses, the dissertation investigates differences between care settings in end-oflife are received, out-of-pocket costs of care in the last year of life, trends in advance care planning and palliative care provision in Belgium, and challenges specific to end-of-life care for people with dementia. The dissertation highlights encouraging improvements made over time, such as greater awareness of patient preferences by general practitioners, as well as areas where improvements can still be made, such as communication with people with dementia and their next of kin and the provision of palliative care to non-cancer patients.
Results
The findings of this dissertation provide guidance for determining priorities to improve the care at the end of life of older people and people with dementia. Based on her findings, the author advises additional investment in formal care at home and support for informal carers, an increase of palliative care expertise in care homes, more and earlier communication with people with dementia and their family carers, and earlier involvement of palliative care for people with dementia and other chronic conditions.
