Why you should read this article:

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To recognise that meeting the increasing fundamental care needs of people living with advanced dementia is essential to their well-being

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To be aware of the need for partnership working with people living with advanced dementia and their families in care planning, implementation and evaluation

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To identify strategies to deliver asset-based personal care interventions

This is the second article in a six-part series in Nursing Older People exploring the nursing care of people living with advanced dementia. This article considers the complexity of providing personal care, including the need for expert nursing practice to assess and lead the fundamentals of care: washing, dressing, continence care, nutrition and hydration. The contemporary evidence base for effective assessment, care planning, partnership working and evaluation of personal care for people with advanced dementia is presented, supported by sources of further information.