What Are the Special Needs of Older Adults With Serious Illness?

Serious illness is defined as a health condition that carries a high risk of mortality and either negatively impacts a patient’s daily function or quality of life, or excessively strains the caregivers. The geriatric syndrome of frailty is an example of serious illness. The number of vulnerable individuals with serious illness increases as the population of older adults in the United States continues to grow. Older adults with serious illness have special care needs and can benefit from interdisciplinary care that focuses on effective communication, personalized care plan, care coordination, goals of care discussions, and distressing symptom management. Importantly, caring for the caregivers is an important aspect in attending to the special needs of older adults with serious illness.