Aging and Memory Loss, Health Issues, and End-of-Life Care in Elderly Persons

Course overview

The rising elderly population in North America demands a critical focus on long-term care and end-of-life issues. Elderly persons with a diagnosis of dementia present complex challenges due to co-occurring mental health concerns, such as depression, increasing their morbidity and mortality. People with dementia are particularly vulnerable to hidden abuse, often committed by family members at home. Elder abuse is an underreported legal and social concern due to fear of retaliation by perpetrators. Managing end-of-life transitions for elderly persons with dementia requires an interprofessional health team that can work with facility and/or home support staff and family caregivers.