Social relationships and end-of-life quality among older adults in the United States: The impacts of marital, kinship, and network ties

Social relationships and end-of-life quality among older adults in the United States: The impacts of marital, kinship, and network ties
The Journals of Gerontology; by Kafayat Mahmoud, Deborah Carr; 7/25
We examine marital status differences in recent decedents’ end-of-life care and gender differences therein, and the role of other social ties (children, siblings, network members) in influencing the quality of end-of-life care. Divorced decedents fared poorly on multiple outcomes, being less likely than married or widowed persons to receive excellent care and to have personal care needs met. Divorced and widowed decedents were less likely to receive respectful treatment relative to married decedents. We found no significant gender differences in these patterns. Persons with more siblings and network members had superior pain management. Hospital patient advocates could also aid those who lack close kin at the end of life.