Abstract
At age 80, about 4 of every ten 10 men and 3 of every 10 women will die within 5 years. What should the very old expect of the dying experience? National data reveal that very old adults experience considerable variation in the use of the hospital during their last 6 months of life. Physicians report these patients most often need assistance with self-care, emotional support, nutrition, and pain control. In order to minimize unnecessary and expensive hospitalization and improve home management, specific terminal care guidelines are proposed and illustrated.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 34-39 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Ambulatory Care Management |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- 80 years
- Community physicians
- Dying
- Elderly
- Process of care
- Variations in care
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Policy