title: The dying elderly patient.
abstract: Care of the dying elderly patient is commonly regarded as a hopeless endeavor, but the patient and the family can be helped to face death. The physician must become skilled at recognizing obstacles to care and understanding the concerns of the patient and the family. With proper intervention, it is possible to diminish fears and change maladaptive behavior. Positive strategies can reduce the patient's suffering, isolation and loss of autonomy.
authors.affiliation: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Streim
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Marshall
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001293:Attitude to Death; D003142:Communication; D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012934:Social Isolation; D013727:Terminal Care