title: Existential issues in the management of the demented elderly patient.
abstract: Four major existential themes are explored, as they relate to the predicament of the relative supporting a demented elderly dependent at home. These issues, namely, death, isolation, freedom, and meaning are discussed with respect to their dynamic impact on the stressed supporter as well as their implications for anxiety management.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D003643:Death; D003704:Dementia; D005086:Existentialism; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D005610:Freedom; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support