Palliative Care for the Elderly

Global Demographic Shifts

• Between 2000 and 2015, the number of individuals aged 80 or over increased by 77% globally.
• Projected deaths among this age group are expected to reach 75 million by 2040.
• These changes necessitate healthcare systems to improve care for older individuals and their families.

Palliative Care Overview

• Palliative care enhances the quality of life for patients with life-limiting illnesses, addressing physical, spiritual, and psychological needs.
• It aims to alleviate suffering through prevention and relief, managing symptoms, grief, and loss.
• Emphasizes a collaborative and person-centered approach, fostering open communication between patients, families, and care providers.

Focus on Advanced Care

• Integral to palliative care is advanced care planning that considers practical concerns and promotes compassionate communication.
• Balancing the needs of care providers and patients is essential for effective palliative care delivery.

Workplace Culture

• A supportive workplace culture is necessary to prevent burnout among palliative care providers and encourage self-care.

Principles of Palliative Care

• Affirms that dying is a natural part of life and neither hastens nor delays death.
• Relieves distressing symptoms such as pain.
• Integrates psychological and spiritual care aspects alongside physical treatment.
• Provides emotional support for families, aiding them during illness and bereavement.
• Utilizes a team-based approach, including bereavement counseling when needed.
• Enhances quality of life and may positively affect illness progression.
• Is effective when introduced early in the illness, working alongside treatments aimed at prolonging life.

Changing Causes of Death

• A survey conducted by the UK Government highlighted a significant increase in dementia-related deaths in England, doubling in 10 years (2007 to 2017) among individuals aged 75 and older.
• An ongoing rise in dementia as a leading cause of death is anticipated.

This quiz explores demographic changes and their impact on palliative care systems, focusing on people aged 75 and older. It highlights the increase in the older population and examines the leading causes of death in this age group. Understand the importance of adapting care systems to meet the needs of older adults and their families.