well-being of the elderly, though most states have
mandatory reporting requirements for health-care
providers and others involved in caring for the
elderly when they suspect abuse. When doctors or
authorities do detect elder abuse, they often have
little choice but to remove the elder from the situ-
ation—which is often what the elder fears most.
One of the most effective deterrents of elder abuse
is social participation—having people visit the
older person and getting the older person out to
participate in social activities. This approach also
provides a break for family members and care-
givers, relieving some of the stress that is inherent
in providing care for an elder.
See also GENERATIONAL HEALTH-CARE PERSPECTIVES.
end of life concerns The fears and worries that
may arise when a person faces the prospect of
dying. End of life concerns in regard to health and
health care may relate to physical symptoms such
as PAIN and loss of function, health-care issues
such as feeding tubes and mechanical life support,
emotional concerns such as fear of the unknown
and leaving loved ones, and legal matters such as
medical power of attorney and other advance
directives. Cultural and generational factors
greatly influence end of life desires and practices,
though each person’s needs are unique.
The focus of end of life concerns sharpens
when a person approaches the end stages of ter-
minal illness. Open communication with health-
care providers, family members, and other
caregivers establishes clear expectations and inten-
tions around supportive care and medical inter-
ventions including pain relief and resuscitative
efforts. It also allows a person to make choices and
decisions about hospice and other supportive care
and to reach closure with loved ones. Sometimes
family members have different ideas about what
care a loved one might want at the end of life; it is
often helpful as well as prudent to put one’s
wishes in writing.
See also CULTURAL AND ETHIC HEALTH-CARE PER-
SPECTIVES; GENERATIONAL HEALTH-CARE PERSPECTIVES;
GRIEF; QUALITY OF LIFE; SPIRITUAL BELIEFS AND HEALTH
CARE.246 Human Relations