Geriatric Palliative care

Services Offered:

1. Comprehensive Symptom Management:

• Assessment and management of distressing symptoms commonly experienced by
  elderly patients, such as pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and
  constipation.
• Utilization of evidence-based pharmacological and non-pharmacological
  interventions to alleviate suffering and improve comfort.

2. Advance Care Planning:

• Facilitation of advance care planning discussions to help elderly patients and their
  families clarify treatment preferences, goals of care, and end-of-life wishes.
• Assistance with completing advance directives, living wills, and healthcare proxy
  documents to ensure patient wishes are respected and honored.

3. Psychosocial and Emotional Support:

• Counseling, emotional support, and therapeutic interventions to address anxiety,
  depression, grief, and existential distress in elderly patients and their families.
• Assistance with coping strategies, communication skills, and resilience-building
  techniques to promote emotional well-being and enhance coping during
  challenging times.

4. Spiritual Care and Existential Support:

• Provision of spiritual care and existential support to address spiritual distress,
  meaning-making, and existential concerns in elderly patients facing serious illness
  or end-of-life issues.
• Collaboration with chaplains, spiritual counselors, or other religious leaders to
  provide culturally sensitive spiritual support aligned with patient beliefs and
  values.

5. Goals of Care Discussions:

• Facilitation of sensitive and compassionate discussions about goals of care,
  treatment options, prognosis, and realistic expectations for elderly patients and
  their families.
• Empowering patients and families to make informed decisions based on their
  values, preferences, and individual circumstances.

6. Family Meetings and Caregiver Support:

• Coordination of family meetings to provide information, address concerns, and
  facilitate communication among healthcare providers, patients, and family
  members.
• Offering practical and emotional support to caregivers, including respite care,
  caregiver education, and access to community resources and support services.

7. Comfort Care and Symptom Relief:

• Provision of comfort-focused care and symptom management to alleviate
  suffering and optimize quality of life for elderly patients with advanced illness or
  end-of-life needs.
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary team members to address holistic needs and
  provide personalized care aligned with patient preferences and goals.

8. Hospice and End-of-Life Care Coordination:

• Coordination of hospice care services for elderly patients nearing end-of-life,
  including referrals to hospice programs, palliative care consultants, and
  community-based hospice agencies.
• Ensuring seamless transitions between care settings and facilitating continuity of
  care for patients and families receiving hospice and palliative care services.

9. Legacy and Life Review:

• Facilitation of life review activities, legacy projects, and reminiscence therapy to
  help elderly patients reflect on their life experiences, achievements, and
  relationships.
• Creating opportunities for patients to share their stories, values, and wisdom with
  loved ones, leaving a meaningful legacy for future generations.

10. Bereavement Support:

• Provision of bereavement support and follow-up care for family members and
  caregivers following the death of a loved one.
• Offering counseling, support groups, memorial services, and resources to help
  individuals cope with grief, loss, and the grieving process.

Geriatric Palliative Care Services at Vrudhya in Zymus Hospital are provided by a
compassionate and interdisciplinary team of palliative care specialists, physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other healthcare professionals. We are committed to honoring the dignity, autonomy, and preferences of elderly patients and their families, providing comfort,
support, and compassionate care throughout the journey of serious illness and end-of-life care.