This paper reports on the background and design of an innovative study seeking to develop and test a dementia specific approach to palliative care for older people in care homes, entitled Evidence-based interventions in dementia towards the end of life (EVIDEM EoL). The study uses a two-phase prospective design. Phase I intends to explore and document characteristics and support needs for people with dementia in care homes towards the end of life. Data from phase I informs phase II, the development and testing of a dementia specific education and support tool for palliative care in care homes. This paper reports on the study's background and phase I design. The study is part of the EVIDEM research programme (Evidence-based Interventions in Dementia) (www.evidem.org.uk).