Palliative care for older people: the psychiatrist's role

In this overview we discuss the palliative psychiatric care of older people towards the end of life. We briefly consider ethics, dementia care, delirium, depression, anxiety, grief and physician-assisted suicide. We also discuss hope, dignity, spirituality and existentialism. We hope that this article will encourage clinicians to reflect on the effects of terminal illnesses on the mental health of dying people and the current provision of palliative psychiatric care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES • Appreciate that patient-centred care builds on providing individualised care for the dying person to meet their needs and wishes • Understand the collaborative role of psychiatry in assessing the aetiology and appropriate response to patients presenting with problems of loss, grief, anxiety, depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, personality change and confusion • Recognise that maintaining hope and living with hope is a way for terminally ill patients to endure and cope with their suffering DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.