Gerontology & Geriatric Research

Palliative Care in Geriatric Medicine: Enhancing Quality of Life for Older Patients

Tuinek Shkmik^* Department of Cell Biology, Morris Park Ave University, Bronx, NY, USA
^*Correspondence: Tuinek Shkmik, Department of Cell Biology, Morris Park Ave University, Bronx, NY, USA, Email:

Received: 29-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. jggr-23-21454; Editor assigned: 31-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. P-21454; Reviewed: 12-Apr-2023, QC No. Q-21454; Revised: 17-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. R-21454; Published: 24-Apr-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2167-7182.2023.12.668

Introduction

Palliative care plays a crucial role in geriatric medicine, focusing on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress associated with serious illnesses, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for older patients. As the world's population continues to age, the importance of palliative care for the elderly becomes increasingly evident. This article explores the significance of palliative care in geriatric medicine, emphasizing the holistic approach to care that addresses physical, emotional, and social needs. By integrating palliative care principles into geriatric medicine, healthcare professionals can offer comprehensive support, symptom management, and end-of-life care, promoting dignity and comfort for older patients. Palliative care is an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare that focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals living with serious illnesses, including older adults. It aims to alleviate pain, manage symptoms, address emotional distress, and enhance overall well-being. Palliative care can be provided alongside curative treatments and is not limited to endof- life care.

Description

Geriatric patients often present complex medical conditions and specific needs that require specialized attention. Age-related conditions, such as chronic pain, frailty, multiple comorbidities, cognitive impairments, and functional decline, make the provision of palliative care in geriatric medicine essential. Older patients frequently experience a reduced ability to tolerate certain treatments, making symptom management and maintaining quality of life paramount. Palliative care in geriatric medicine adopts a holistic approach, addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. This comprehensive care plan involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and chaplains, who collaborate to tailor treatment strategies to the individual patient. By taking into account the patient's values, preferences, and goals, palliative care aims to maximize comfort, improve communication, and promote patient-centred decision-making [1].

Palliative care in geriatric medicine adopts a holistic approach, addressing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. This comprehensive care plan involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and chaplains, who collaborate to tailor treatment strategies to the individual patient. By taking into account the patient's values, preferences, and goals, palliative care aims to maximize comfort, improve communication, and promote patient-centred decision-making [2].

Geriatric patients often experience emotional and psychosocial challenges, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, and existential distress. Palliative care professionals are trained to provide emotional support and counselling, assisting patients and their families in navigating the complex emotions associated with serious illness. By offering a compassionate and empathetic presence, palliative care specialists foster an environment that encourages open communication and psychological well-being. Palliative care in geriatric medicine acknowledges the importance of end-of-life care and advance care planning. By engaging patients and their families in discussions about their goals, values, and preferences, healthcare providers can facilitate informed decisionmaking regarding medical interventions, resuscitation preferences, and life-sustaining treatments. This process empowers patients to make choices aligned with their desires, promoting dignity and ensuring that their wishes are respected. Geriatric healthcare professionals can address the unique needs of older patients, providing comprehensive symptom management, emotional support, and end-of-life care. By integrating palliative care principles into geriatric medicine, healthcare providers can promote dignity, comfort, and overall well-being for older adults [3].

As the global population continues to age, it is imperative that healthcare systems prioritize palliative care services for older patients. Adequate training and education should be provided to healthcare professionals to enhance their skills in delivering palliative care to the elderly population. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers is crucial to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care Moreover, public awareness and education about palliative care and its benefits for geriatric patients need to be increased. Addressing misconceptions and stigmas associated with palliative care can encourage earlier utilization of services and better patient outcomes. Efforts should be made to engage community organizations, caregivers, and family members in discussions about the importance of palliative care for older adults. Research and evidence-based practices should be encouraged to further enhance the effectiveness of palliative care in geriatric medicine. Studies focusing on optimal symptom management, interventions for psychological well-being, caregiver support, and outcomes assessment can provide valuable insights and guide the development of best practices [4,5].

Conclusion

Palliative care plays a crucial role in geriatric medicine, enhancing the quality of life for older patients with serious illnesses. By adopting a holistic approach that addresses physical, emotional, and social needs, healthcare professionals can provide comprehensive support, symptom management, and end-of-life care. Integrating palliative care principles into geriatric medicine is essential to promote dignity, comfort, and overall well-being for the aging population. By prioritizing palliative care services, increasing awareness, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and conducting further research, we can ensure that older patients receive the compassionate and comprehensive care they deserve in their journey towards a better quality of life.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.

References

1. Azad N, Lemay G. Management of chronic heart failure in the older population. J Geriatr Cardiol 2014; 11:329.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at 

2. Guerra F, Brambatti M, Matassini MV, Capucci A. Current therapeutic options for heart failure in elderly patients. Biomed Res Int2017.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at 

3. Passino C, Poletti R, Fontana M, Vergaro G, Prontera C, Gabutti A, et al. Clinical relevance of non-cardiac determinants of natriuretic peptide levels. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008; 46:1515-1523.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

4. Van Veldhuisen DJ, Linssen GC, Jaarsma T, Van Gilst WH, Hoes AW, Tijssen JG, et al. B-type natriuretic peptide and prognosis in heart failure patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction. J Am Coll Cardiol 2013; 61:1498-1506.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at

5. Leto L, Testa M, Feola M. Correlation between B-type natriuretic peptide and functional/cognitive parameters in discharged congestive heart failure patients. Int J Endocrinol 2015.

Google Scholar, Crossref, Indexed at