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Palliative Care
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Dr. Tom Caprio, a geriatrician, talks about Palliative Care. Find out what Palliative Care is and what Palliative care isn’t. Questions and comments are encouraged, so don’t be shy. If there is something about Palliative Care you’d like to know about, leave a comment for Dr. Caprio.
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Tags: aging, care, death, doctor, elderly, end of life, Geriatrician, geriatrics, gerontology, hospice, medical, medicine, palliative care, physician, senior
Bravo, Dr. Caprio,
I am a psychologist working in both assisted living centers and a community hospital. The phenomenon of ignorance of end-of-life/palliative care is alive and well in these settings.
I was once “turned in” to my agency supervisors because I attempted to have a life goal clarifying discussion with a resident with end-stage liver disease. In the same facility, I attempted to share an article reporting on a study which showed employing “elderspeak” (addressing elders informally or with infantilizing labels like “honey” or “sweetie”) can actually diminish lifespan. My effort was met with open ridicule by the “case managment director” and it has been openly ignored.
It never ceases to amaze me that we seem to care more about providing death with dignity for our pets than ourselves.
Thank you for the comments. I think this discussion highlights the level of confusion and passion associated with conversations regarding end-of-life care. This has only been underscored by the recent heated debates regarding health care reform. I think we have an obligation as health care professionals to educate patients and families regarding palliative care. There is a tremendous level of support which is needed by patients and families as they face chronic illness and declining function. We have an obligation to provide sincere and compassionate care.