Caring for the Unrepresented: A Podcast with Joe Dixon, Timothy Farrell, Yael Zweig

Caring for the Unrepresented: A Podcast with Joe Dixon, Timothy Farrell, Yael Zweig

Author: Alex Smith, Eric Widera January 16, 2025 Duration: 47:27

Many older adults lose decision-making capacity during serious illnesses, and a significant percentage lack family or friends to assist with decisions. These individuals may become "unrepresented," meaning they lack the capacity to make a specific medical decision, do not have an advance directive for that decision, and do not have a surrogate to help.

In today's podcast, we talk with Joe Dixon, Timothy Farrell, and Yael Zweig, authors of the AGS position statement on making medical treatment decisions for unrepresented older adults. We define "unrepresented" and address the following questions:

  • What is the scope of the unrepresented problem?

  • Why not use the older term "unbefriended"?

  • How should we care for unrepresented individuals in inpatient and outpatient settings?

  • What can we do to prevent someone from becoming unrepresented?

Find answers to these questions and more in this week's podcast. Listen in, and if you're interested, explore the topic further with the following resources:




Hosted by UCSF physicians Alex Smith and Eric Widera, GeriPal-A Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Podcast creates a vital space for conversation at the intersection of aging and serious illness care. This isn't a dry lecture series; it's a dynamic dialogue where Eric and Alex bring on leading experts to unpack the complexities of geriatric and palliative medicine. They delve into the latest research that should change practice, tackle the ethical dilemmas that provoke debate, and explore the nuanced clinical challenges that professionals face daily. The tone is engaging and often surprisingly lighthearted, with moments of humor and even the occasional song, making profound topics more accessible. Whether you're a clinician, nurse, social worker, or any professional dedicated to this field, this podcast offers a blend of evidence-based insights and practical wisdom you can use. It’s a resource that acknowledges the weight of the work while fostering connection and continued learning. For those seeking formal education credits, AMA PRA Category 1 CME and MOC credit are also available through the show. Tune in to join a community committed to improving care for older adults and those with serious illness.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

GeriPal - A Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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