Palliative care and dementia: Understanding the connection and supporting families through tough decisions

Did you know palliative care isn’t just for the final days of life? For people living with dementia, it plays a vital role throughout the condition, supporting comfort, dignity, communication, and quality of life.

In this episode of Voices in DREAM, Yashi and Tiffany, an experienced nurse from Palliative Care Victoria, explore how dementia and palliative care are closely connected. We discuss when decision-making becomes difficult, how families cope when their loved one loses capacity, and the emotional stress and guilt that come with tough choices. We also look at how the aged care workforce can support families, guide conversations, and ensure care stays focused on what matters most to the person.

Tune in to learn about:

• What palliative care really means in the context of dementia
• Why dementia is recognised as a life-limiting condition
• The emotional experience of families when making difficult decisions
• How care teams can support families through grief, guilt, and uncertainty
• Why early conversations create better outcomes for everyone

If you work in aged care or support someone living with dementia, this episode is a must-listen.