How is palliative care different in older adults?

Palliative care supports comfort and quality of life during serious illness. It can be offered alongside cancer treatment and is not limited to the final stage of life. For an older adult, the team may look closely at pain, breathlessness, nausea, sleep, mood, appetite, mobility, memory, and the ability to manage at home.

A review may include medicines, falls, hearing or vision, nutrition, transport, caregiving, and the person’s preferred place of care. Family members can help describe changes, but the older adult’s wishes remain central whenever they can make and communicate decisions.

Write down symptoms, what makes them better or worse, and the activities that matter most. Bring all medicine containers or an updated list, including supplements. The team can adjust symptom treatment, arrange equipment, involve physiotherapy or social work, and help plan conversations about future care. Palliative care can work with the oncology, primary care, and home-care teams.

Contact the care team when pain, breathlessness, nausea, confusion, constipation, anxiety, or sleep problems are interfering with daily life or changing suddenly. Urgent help is needed for severe breathing difficulty, new one-sided weakness, chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or sudden severe confusion. Do not wait for a routine visit if a symptom feels unsafe.

Ask who will coordinate care, which symptoms can be treated at home, how medicines may affect alertness and falls, what equipment or caregiver support is available, and how to record the person’s treatment preferences.