End-of-life care of older adults

Lara M. Skarf, Andrea Wershof Schwartz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mr. K is an 82-year-old man with a history of hypertension, diet-controlled diabetes, low back pain, hyperlipidemia, and right carotid endarterectomy who was found to have an enlarging lung mass during an evaluation for syncope. He was diagnosed with stage IIIA squamous cell lung cancer and subsequently underwent chemotherapy and radiation under the guidance of his oncologist. Mr. K is divorced and has a daughter who lives locally as well as two sons who live out of state. He previously worked as a house painter and doing odd jobs. He lives alone and is independent in his activities of daily living. He has housekeeping arranged through his local elder services. He attends religious services weekly. He does not drive but has a friend from his religious community who assists with transportation and shopping. His daughter is his health-care proxy. Recently, he developed increasing symptoms of dyspnea with exertion, cough, and fatigue which have been attributed to his progressive malignancy. As his primary care physician, you wonder: Would it be useful to refer him to palliative care? What about hospice? What is the difference between the two?.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEthical Considerations and Challenges in Geriatrics
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages35-49
Number of pages15
ISBN (Electronic)9783319440842
ISBN (Print)9783319440835
DOIs
StatePublished - 31 Jan 2017
Externally publishedYes

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