Long-Term Care: Focus on Nursing Homes

Abstract

Abstract Elderly people represent the majority of patients affected by many serious and life-threatening illnesses. Population shifts have created an unprecedented demand for new models of palliative care for elderly patients at the end of life. The long-term care or nursing home setting is a vital site for improved care because ever-increasing numbers of elders are cared for here. There are many challenges in geriatric palliative care delivery in long-term care, including the availability of staff trained in palliative care and the management of frail elders with many comorbidities. However, the need for high-quality long-term care is significant. This chapter reviews some advances in long-term care and needs for continued improvement.