Citation

Vanlaere L, Bouckaert F, Gastmans C. Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde 2006; 62(23): 1639-1649.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006)

DOI

10.2143/TVG.62.23.2021637

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article starts by giving a state-of-the-art of suicide in older persons. Subsequently, a number of values which play a role in this respect are considered. The state-of-the-art of suicide, together with an elucidation of the values, constitute the framework for a number of clinical-ethical recommendations for the care practice. When caring for suicidal older persons it is important to question whether the given care fosters the self-esteem and the experience of self-value of the older persons and whether it confirms the older persons' dignity. As well the timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment of suicidality as the position of the caregiver as a resilience-mentor and the paying of attention to the responsability of and giving meaning to older persons constitute central focal points which should enable a caring contact with suicidal older persons.

Language: nl

Keywords

human; suicide; medical ethics; review; clinical practice; elderly care; self esteem; human dignity