title: Bereavement in the elderly: the role of primary care.
abstract: Bereavement in the elderly is a concern to primary care physicians (PCPs) as it can lead to psychological illness such as depression. Most people are able to come to terms with their grief without any intervention, but some people are not. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of bereavement-related depressive illness in elderly people. PCPs need to optimise support and available resources prior to, and throughout, the bereavement period in order to reduce the family members' burden and suffering.
authors.affiliation: Lecturer and Specialist, Department of Family Medicine.
authors.forename: Syahnaz Mohd
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hashim
authors.affiliation: Lecturer and Specialist, Department of Family Medicine.
authors.forename: Tan Chai
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Eng
authors.affiliation: Senior Lecturer and Consultant, Department of Family Medicine.
authors.forename: Noorlaili
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tohit
authors.affiliation: Lecturer and Specialist, Department of Psychiatry University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Suzaily
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wahab
keywords: bereavement; depression; primary care physician