Supporting Patients with End-Stage Dementia: New HealthPathways SA Resource

Dementia is a life-limiting condition, and when it progresses to the end stage—defined as having a prognosis of less than 12 months—it presents unique challenges for patients, families, and clinicians. Recognizing and compassionately communicating that a patient has entered this phase is critical for ensuring timely access to palliative care services and appropriate support. However, reliably estimating life expectancy in advanced dementia remains complex.

To address this, HealthPathways SA has an End Stage Dementia Pathway, designed to complement the widely used Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Pathway. This new resource provides practical, evidence-based guidance for GPs and primary care teams supporting patients in advancing stages of dementia.

 Key Features of the Pathway:

• Supports goal-oriented care focused on compassion, comfort and dignity.
• Encourages collaboration and early referral to palliative care services and supports where appropriate.
• Provides tools to help ensure patients and carers are well-informed and have access to relevant resources.

 Accessing the Pathway:

HealthPathways SA is free for all South Australian health professionals. Simply register to explore the End Stage Dementia Pathway and other clinical resources.

HealthPathways SA is a partnership between SA Health, Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN.