PALLIATIVE CARE IN GERIATRICS

Milagros T. Barzaga, MD

Palliative care is focused on the relief of suffering such as pain, nausea,

dyspnea, anxiety, depression and other stresses brought about by serious illness

regardless of prognosis while hospice is a concept of care which pertains to the last 6

months of life. Both disciplines are geared toward providing quality of life of patients and

their families.

Palliative Care in Geriatrics is more complicated compared to younger adult

because of several co-morbidities and duration of chronic illness during old age. With

the improvement of life expectancy, there will be more old patients in the future with

more geriatric syndromes as well as other bodily complaints. Indeed, palliative care is

very important aspect of care in Geriatrics.