Introduction

The experience of dying is different for each person. It comes in its own time and its own way.

When a person with Alzheimer's disease is in the very late stages of the disease, the focus should be on quality of life and comfort, rather than on lengthening life and giving treatment. Palliative (or comfort) care focuses on the whole person's needs—physical, emotional and spiritual.

In this session, a clinical ethicist will help you understand the difficult decisions you may need to make at the end of a family member’s life.  We will also reflect on what it means to have a “good” death. 

Learning Objectives

When you have completed this session, you will be able to:

• Describe the ethical challenges a care partner may face in late stage or at end of life.
• Understand the benefits of advance planning.
• Define a “good” death.
• Understand the decisions a care partner may have to make at the end of life.

Work through the various parts of the session at your leisure. Move from one part to another at your own pace and in the order that makes sense to you, based on your own needs and interests.                 

Take time to visit the Discussion Forums, where you can post, in a common area, messages to all other community members. It’s a place for you to interact with others and to discuss the topics and ideas introduced throughout this session. 

At any time, you may scroll to the Search bar at the top of the page and type a specific question or topic.