[Empathy in palliative care of the elderly].

Abstract

Empathy is fundamental to care, particularly geriatric and palliative care, as it responds to the complex, multidimensional needs of older adults. However, empathy can be risky, and requires ongoing training. Concrete strategies and techniques exist to facilitate the expression of empathy when caring for people at the end of life, and their loved ones, and to support the care team in preserving human dignity, even at the end of life.