Long-term care for patients with dementia

Older people with dementia in long-term care constitute a complex population. It is important to establish at an early stage after admission the reasons for the placement and gain a good understanding of the background problems and agree a comprehensive care plan which should pay particular attention to management of infections, attitudes to hospitalisation, and palliative care. We discuss the pertinent clinical issues along with the importance of vaccination. The emergence of telemedicine is important. No chapter on long-term care of people with dementia is complete without consideration of the effects and legacy of COVID-19. Finally, a case history illustrating some common issues, and how they might be addressed, is included.