Book chapter
Palliative Social Work with Older Adults and Their Families
The Oxford Textbook of Palliative Social Work, pp.203-220
Oxford University Press
04/01/2022
DOI: 10.1093/med/9780197537855.003.0019
Abstract
The older population (65+) grew from 3 million to 52 million in 2018. Yet, as older adults live longer, they do so with more chronic conditions; 60% live with one, and 42% have two or more. The last two decades of life often involve an increasing burden of chronic illness, dependency, frailty, and cognitive decline, which call for an integrated approach that draws together geriatric and palliative care. Using a biopsychosocialspiritual framework, this chapter describes the lived experience of older adults who live with serious illnesses and their caregivers. The multiple diverse factors that influence an older adult’s journey are illuminated, including race, ethnicity, gender, culture, and social support systems. The systemic challenges which create healthcare disparities and influence older adults’ access to care are presented. The implications for social work practice in geriatric palliative care, including comprehensive assessment, familycentered practice, and interprofessional collaboration, are highlighted.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Palliative Social Work with Older Adults and Their Families
- Creators
- Terry AltilioShirley Otis-GreenJohn G. CagleDeborah WaldropMercedes Bern-KlugDaniel S. Gardner
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
- Publication Details
- The Oxford Textbook of Palliative Social Work, pp.203-220
- DOI
- 10.1093/med/9780197537855.003.0019
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Alternative title
- Section IV Person-Centered, Family-Focused Practice
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 04/01/2022
- Academic Unit
- International Programs; School of Social Work
- Record Identifier
- 9984307137902771
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