MAiD for geriatric syndromes: Special considerations

Abstract

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) brings unique considerations in the context of geriatric syndromes such as frailty and cognitive or functional impairment. These conditions are associated with complex vulnerability across health and social domains and often do not have predicable trajectories or responses to healthcare interventions. In this paper, we focus on four categories of gaps in care that are particularly relevant for MAiD in geriatric syndromes, namely, inadequacies in access to medical care, appropriate advance care planning, social supports, and funding for supportive care. We conclude by arguing that appropriately situating MAiD in the context of care for older adults requires careful consideration of these gaps in care to enable real, robust, and respectful healthcare choices for people living with geriatric syndromes and approaching end-of-life.