How can we help? Psychological work with older persons facing end-of-life issues

The current research investigated the preferences of assisted living/residential care persons for various psychological interventions that the previous psychological literature has indicated may be appropriate for those dealing with end-of-Iife issues. Twenty-six residents of four facilities were each interviewed regarding their preferences for fourteen services. Demographic variables (such as perceived health status and use of psychological services in the. past) were explored in addition to qualitative information from the interviews. No fewer than five participants said they may want each intervention, and 50% or more indicated they may want psychologists to help with pain management techniques, music therapy, and medication referral. Suggestions for clinicians and future researchers are given