Palliative Care in Geriatrics: A study of the principles and practices of palliative care for the elderly, with a focus on improving quality of life and relieving suffering.

• Autor(a) principal: Faria, Marcelo Ribeiro
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Outros Autores: Merçon, João César Almeida, Malveira, Lucas Lopes, Correa, Katryne Ferreira Rodrigues, de Oliveira Júnior, Gelson Cordeiro
• Tipo de documento: Artigo
• Idioma: por
• Título da fonte: Brazilian Journal of Implantology and Health Sciences
• Texto Completo: https://bjihs.emnuvens.com.br/bjihs/article/view/621
• topic: cuidados paliativos; geriatria; qualidade de vida; alívio do sofrimento; autonomia

Palliative care in geriatrics plays a vital role in improving the quality of life and relieving suffering for elderly individuals facing chronic, severe, or advanced illnesses. This review article explores the principles and practices that underpin this approach to care, emphasizing the importance of a patient-centered approach that places the elderly individual at the center of treatment decisions while respecting their autonomy and dignity. Symptom management, with a focus on pain control, is crucial for alleviating physical suffering, enabling the elderly to engage in meaningful activities. An interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals is essential to address the various dimensions of elderly individuals' suffering, promoting comprehensive care. Promoting autonomy and involving the elderly in treatment decisions are crucial for maintaining a sense of control and meaning in their lives. Additionally, spirituality and reminiscence therapy play an important role in providing emotional comfort and meaning to elderly individuals in palliative care. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being of the elderly is essential. The integration of these elements, along with a profound understanding of the principles and practices of palliative care in geriatrics, is crucial to providing compassionate and effective care to this vulnerable population. As the elderly population continues to grow worldwide, the commitment to palliative care in geriatrics becomes more crucial than ever, ensuring that elderly individuals receive the support they need in their final stages of life.