TY - JOUR
T1 - Vulnerability at the end of life: Australian veterans requiring home-based palliative care
AU - O'Connor, Margaret Mary
AU - Brennan, Bronwyn
AU - Bloomer, Melissa
AU - Shimoinaba, Kaori
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - In Australia, veterans are a vulnerable group, because of ageing, and high rates of chronic or life-threatening illnesses and poor mental health. This retrospective pilot study explored the home-based palliative care needs of veterans as they face the end of their life, compared to non-veterans. Medical records of ten deceased veterans and ten non-veterans in a home-based palliative care service were analyzed both for demographic data, and qualitative content. Veterans had significantly more comorbidities and were older at death. Qualitative data indicated common concerns, including the role of families and practical aspects of care. Some differences were found between veterans and non-veterans in their end-of-life care requirements. More awareness of veterans status may assist in care more tailored to their specific needs.
AB - In Australia, veterans are a vulnerable group, because of ageing, and high rates of chronic or life-threatening illnesses and poor mental health. This retrospective pilot study explored the home-based palliative care needs of veterans as they face the end of their life, compared to non-veterans. Medical records of ten deceased veterans and ten non-veterans in a home-based palliative care service were analyzed both for demographic data, and qualitative content. Veterans had significantly more comorbidities and were older at death. Qualitative data indicated common concerns, including the role of families and practical aspects of care. Some differences were found between veterans and non-veterans in their end-of-life care requirements. More awareness of veterans status may assist in care more tailored to their specific needs.
UR - http://hhc.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/12/18/1084822313514978.full.pdf
U2 - 10.1177/1084822313514978
DO - 10.1177/1084822313514978
M3 - Article
SN - 1084-8223
VL - 26
SP - 134
EP - 140
JO - Home Health Care Management and Practice
JF - Home Health Care Management and Practice
IS - 3
ER -