Ageing populations mean that palliative and end of life care for older people must assume greater priority. Indeed, there is an urgent need to improve the experiences of older people at the end of life, given that they have been identified as the 'disadvantaged dying'. To date, models of care are underpinned by the ideals of specialist palliative care which were developed to meet the needs of predominantly middle-aged and 'young old' people, and evidence suggests these may not be adequate for the older population group. This book identifies ways forward for improving the end of life experiences of older people by taking an interdisciplinary and international approach. Providing a synergy between the currently disparate literature of gerontology and palliative care, a wide range of leading international experts contribute to discussions regarding priority areas in relation to ageing and end of life care. Some authors take a theoretical focus, others a very practical approach rooted in their clinical and research experience. The issues covered are diverse, as are the countries in which discussions are contextualised. Those working in both palliative care and gerontology will find the issues and advice discussed in this book hugely topical and of real practical value.

About the Author
Merryn Gott joined the University of Auckland in 2009 as Professor of Health Sciences in the School of Nursing. Her PhD is in gerontology and over the last 12 years she has developed an international programme of research exploring palliative and end of life care for older people. She currently holds grants from the Department of Health, the Health Research Council of New Zealand, the Economic and Social Research Council, BUPA, as well as local charities. She has published over 70 journal articles and currently serves on the Editorial Boards of Progress in Palliative Care and the British Medical Journal (Supportive and Palliative Care). Christine Ingleton is Professor of Palliative Care Nursing in the School of Nursing & Midwifery at the University of Sheffield. She has contributed to 30 research grants and awards totalling over GBP3.5 million. She has published over 90 outputs in peer reviewed journals and contributed to 6 books on health services research. She has edited 2 best-selling research based textbooks on end of life care. She is Fellow of the European Academy of Nursing Science and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She currently serves on the British Journal of Community Nursing and the British Medical Journal (Supportive and Palliative Care).

Reviews
The editors state that their intention was to open up the issues of ageing and end-of-life care to critical reflection and debate. They have achieved their aim and produced a balanced and thoughtful book that will be relevant to generalists as well as specialists, and also perhaps to social workers. The contributors have clearly and coherently set out where we are now in relation to palliative care and ageing. The scale of the change needed to improve policy and professional practice is daunting, but ultimately this is a book full of hope and optimism. It is the first step on a journey to improving the way that we care for people as they age and in the final phase of life. * International Journal of Palliative Nursing *
This is a useful and accessible book, with relevance to a wide readership. It provides some fascinating insights into practices of death and loss..it would make a very worthwhile addition to the library of anyone working in this field. * BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care *
This book will be of interest to anybody involved with palliative care, gerontology or public health. It is entirely appropriate that palliative care should play a major role in improving end-of-life care for older people. * IAHPC Newsletter *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199569939
Author Merryn Gott
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 532g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 177mm * 19mm