Key findings

This report concluded that those who support and care for people with dementia need much more support in tackling the ethical problems they meet every day. Guidelines are helpful, but not enough.

A 6–part ‘ethical framework’ is presented to help those who face dilemmas in the day-to-day care of someone with dementia.

The report also makes recommendations in the following areas:

• diagnosis, access to health and social care, and end-of-life care for people with dementia

• stigma and including people with dementia in society

• making decisions about care and treatment

• dilemmas in day-to-day care, such as using restraint, using assistive technologies, and balancing risk and freedom

• recognising the needs of carers

• research priorities and participation