Comprehensive Geriatric Care: Quality, Collaboration, Support
Received: 04-Aug-2025 / Manuscript No. JPCM-25-176418 / Editor assigned: 06-Aug-2025 / PreQC No. JPCM-25-176418 / Reviewed: 20-Aug-2025 / QC No. JPCM-25-176418 / Revised: 25-Aug-2025 / Manuscript No. JPCM-25-176418 / Published Date: 01-Sep-2025 DOI: 10.4172/2165-7386.1000795
Abstract
Managing chronic conditions in older adults requires interprofessional collaboration and palliative care to improve quality of life. Telehealth and non-pharmacological interventions offer alternative pain management. Advance care planning and hospice care ensure patient preferences are honored. Caregiver support, polypharmacy management, and geriatric assessment are crucial for well-being
Keywords: Geriatric Care; Chronic Illness; Palliative Care; Telehealth; Advance Care Planning; Hospice; Caregiver Support; Polypharmacy; Interprofessional Collaboration; Geriatric Assessmen
Introduction
Interprofessional collaboration is essential for managing chronic pain in older adults, enhancing care coordination, and improving patient outcomes [1].
Studies emphasize the effectiveness of team-based approaches involving physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists [1].
Palliative care significantly enhances the quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses by addressing their physical, psychological, and spiritual needs [2].
Early integration of palliative care in the disease trajectory improves patient and family well-being [2].
Telehealth interventions present a promising avenue for delivering geriatric care, especially in managing chronic conditions and providing pain relief for homebound older adults [3].
Telehealth has the potential to improve access to care and decrease hospital readmissions [3].
Non-pharmacological interventions, including exercise, yoga, and mindfulness, are effective in managing chronic pain and improving functional abilities in older adults [4].
These approaches offer alternatives to opioid-based pain management [4].
Advance care planning is crucial for ensuring that the preferences of older adults with chronic illnesses are respected [5].
Discussions about end-of-life care, goals, and values should commence early and be revisited regularly [5].
The hospice model delivers comprehensive care for terminally ill patients, focusing on comfort, symptom management, and emotional support [6].
Hospice care can enhance the quality of life and alleviate suffering in the final stages of life [6].
Caregiver support is vital for older adults with chronic illnesses, as caregivers often face substantial physical and emotional burdens [7].
Interventions aimed at lessening caregiver stress and enhancing their well-being are essential [7].
Addressing polypharmacy in older adults with chronic conditions is critical for minimizing adverse drug events and improving medication adherence [8].
Regular medication reviews and deprescribing strategies can improve patient safety [8].
The integration of geriatric assessment into primary care settings improves the identification and management of geriatric syndromes, thereby enhancing the overall health and well-being of older adults [9].
Education and training programs focused on geriatric care are essential for healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing the complex needs of older adults [10].
Description
Effective management of chronic conditions in older adults requires a multifaceted approach. Interprofessional collaboration, as highlighted in research [1], plays a pivotal role in care coordination and patient outcomes. Team-based strategies that include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists are crucial for addressing the complex needs of this population. Palliative care is another essential component, significantly improving the quality of life by attending to physical, psychological, and spiritual needs [2]. Integrating palliative care early in the disease trajectory can greatly enhance the well-being of both patients and their families.
Telehealth interventions offer a promising solution for delivering geriatric care, particularly for those managing chronic conditions at home [3]. By improving access to care and reducing hospital readmissions, telehealth can transform how healthcare is delivered to homebound older adults. Simultaneously, non-pharmacological interventions like exercise, yoga, and mindfulness provide effective methods for managing chronic pain and improving functional abilities [4]. These approaches offer viable alternatives to opioid-based pain management, contributing to safer and more holistic treatment plans.
Advance care planning is also essential to ensure that the preferences of older adults with chronic illnesses are honored [5]. Early and regular discussions about end-of-life care, goals, and personal values are critical for respecting patient autonomy and ensuring their wishes are followed. The hospice model offers comprehensive care for terminally ill patients, focusing on comfort, symptom management, and emotional support [6]. This approach aims to improve the quality of life and reduce suffering during the final stages of life.
Finally, caregiver support is indispensable, as caregivers often endure significant physical and emotional stress [7]. Interventions aimed at reducing caregiver burden and enhancing their well-being are vital for the sustainability of care. Moreover, addressing polypharmacy in older adults is crucial for minimizing adverse drug events and improving medication adherence [8]. Regular medication reviews and deprescribing strategies can significantly enhance patient safety. The integration of geriatric assessment into primary care improves the management of geriatric syndromes [9], while education and training programs for healthcare professionals are necessary to manage the complex needs of older adults effectively [10].
Conclusion
Managing chronic conditions and ensuring quality end-of-life care for older adults requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. Interprofessional collaboration, involving physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists, is crucial for effective care coordination and improved patient outcomes. Integrating palliative care early in the disease trajectory significantly enhances the quality of life for both patients and their families by addressing their physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. Telehealth interventions offer a promising avenue for delivering geriatric care, particularly for homebound individuals, while non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise, yoga, and mindfulness provide effective alternatives to opioid-based pain management. Advance care planning ensures that the preferences of older adults with chronic illnesses are respected, promoting autonomy and dignity. The hospice model delivers comprehensive comfort, symptom management, and emotional support for terminally ill patients. Crucially, caregiver support is essential, as caregivers often endure significant physical and emotional burdens. Addressing polypharmacy through regular medication reviews and deprescribing strategies minimizes adverse drug events and improves medication adherence. Integrating geriatric assessment into primary care improves the management of geriatric syndromes. Finally, specialized education and training programs are vital for healthcare professionals to enhance their ability to meet the complex needs of older adults.
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Citation: Parker L (2025) Comprehensive Geriatric Care: Quality, Collaboration, Support . J Palliat Care Med 15: 795. DOI: 10.4172/2165-7386.1000795
Copyright: © 2025 Liam Parker This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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