The Peterborough Palliative Care in Dementia Group has produced a practical guide to swallowing difficulties in people with advanced dementia.

‘Compromised Swallowing’ offers information about nutrition, hydration and medication in advanced dementia, the booklet notes that swallowing difficulties are common among people with advanced dementia and present real challenges for carers, nurses and doctors.

The 19-page booklet is divided into two sections:

• Section 1 offers a practical approach to maintaining hydration and nutrition in those with swallowing difficulties.
• Section 2 focuses on medical management of symptoms and is a prescribing guide for doctors and nurses, prescribers and emergency care practitioners. It offers advice on a number of areas of care, including pain, vomiting, fever, convulsions and diabetes management.

The guide is now available at www.endoflifecareforadults.nhs.uk