What is the primary focus of palliative care in geriatrics?

Palliative care in geriatrics prioritizes relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients, particularly those with serious, chronic, or life-limiting conditions. The fundamental goal is to alleviate suffering, manage pain, and provide support for both the patient and their family, rather than to pursue aggressive treatments or interventions that may not yield a meaningful benefit.

This holistic approach emphasizes comfort, emotional well-being, and the personal values of the patient, particularly as they may be navigating complex health issues commonly faced in older populations. Palliative care can be integrated alongside curative treatments, focusing on symptom management and enhancing life’s quality throughout the illness trajectory, regardless of the stage of the disease.

While end-of-life decisions are an important aspect of palliative care, the primary focus is much broader, encompassing ongoing support and symptom management rather than only addressing the final stages of life. The emphasis on extensive medical treatments conflicts with the core principles of palliative care, which seek to balance medical intervention with quality of life.