Conclusion
The death of a much loved friend or family member is a very difficult experience. Family circumstances vary, and there are differences in individual values and preferences for place of death and end of life care.
The CFFOP study findings show that despite the difficulties of the situation, and the environment, it is possible for families to experience a ‘good death’ on acute hospital wards. Some carers wanted their relative to die in hospital, finding that their preferences changed, especially as death approached.
It appears that, for many people, the critical factor in experiencing a good death is not so much where it occurs, but the circumstances of how, particularly that it should be accompanied by the presence of close family members.
This study did not find any differences in the observed or reported care of patients dying with or without dementia.