Mixed picture of care for dying

Just one in 10 of the “oldest old” have no symptoms such as pain, distress, depression or confusion at the time of death, researchers found.

Experts from Cambridge University performed a retrospective analysis on 108 people who died at an average age of 91.

After examining their records and conducting interviews with loved ones, the team found symptoms of distress, pain, depression and delirium or confusion each affected 40%-50% of participants.

Most people had experienced combinations of two or more of these symptoms.

But the researchers found that these symptoms were not always treated effectively.

Pain was addressed in the majority of those who were suffering, but only effectively for half of the cases.

Only “a fraction” of those who suffered depression had treatment, the authors said.

Only 10% had no such symptoms.

However, most participants reported some level of comfort during their final illness, with only 7% being “very uncomfortable” during their final days.

The study, published in the journal BMC Geriatrics, found the very old are four times more likely to die comfortably if they pass away at home or in a care home compared to being in hospital.

People were also less likely to have reportedly died comfortably if they lived at home but relied on formal services.