Patient-centered care is arguably most important at the end of life, when a person’s needs and desires should be honored.
In the latest episode of RealCareNowTV, Dr. Bill Thomas explores the importance of deep and meaningful conversations at the end of life with Tony Silbert, author of the upcoming book, Healing Conversations Now, Enhancing Relationships with Elders and Dying Loved Ones.
Healing conversations can help enhance and heal relationships at a critical time of life, said Silbert. Written for both family members and caregivers, the book explores finding peace and acceptance, positive aging, dealing with serious diagnosis and how to say goodbye.
Silbert draws on aging research by Sonja Lyubomirsky’s, which correlates greater social interaction with improved health and vitality. Studies also indicate that social interaction increases one’s sense of well-being. Among older adults, social interaction correlates with taking fewer medications and living longer, Dr. Thomas said.
Please share your thoughts on healing conversations and patient-centered care in the comments below. If you have an idea for RealCareNowTV or would like to join a conversation with Dr. Bill Thomas, please contact us on Twitter @PickerReport or @DrBillThomas.
