[Symptom control and emergency management in geriatric palliative care : Pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches].

Current demographic trends are leading to an increase of older multimorbid chronically ill patients. The resulting complexity of treatment (age-related physiological changes, polypharmacy, cognitive and sensory impairments, reduced ability to communicate) is associated with major challenges for the healthcare and social services systems. Geriatric palliative care represents an important, specialized field of modern medicine. Its focus is on continuous multidisciplinary care to preserve the quality of life. The treatment is holistic, combining pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches. Key aspects are rapid symptom relief and preserving the patient's dignity. Hence, the management of medical emergencies in the context of palliative care differs markedly from curative emergencies. Legal and ethical aspects such as advance directives and weighing up the benefits and risks of treatment are essential.