What does holism mean in the context of elder care?

• A. Whole or to heal
• B. Fragmented care
• C. Only physical health
• D. Disease-centered approach

Answer: (A)

Holism in elder care means treating the person as an integrated whole, not just addressing a single illness or symptom. It involves considering physical, cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental factors and how they influence each other in daily life. Care plans focus on overall well-being, safety, independence, comfort, and quality of life, including nutrition, sleep, pain, mental health, relationships, and personal goals. This broad, person-centered approach captures healing as supporting the whole person, not just curing a disease.

Why this fits best: it emphasizes caring for the entire person and their lived experience, which is the essence of holism.

Fragmented care describes disjointed, poorly coordinated services, which misses the interconnected approach holism requires. Focusing only on physical health narrows the view, ignoring mood, cognition, social needs, and daily functioning. A disease-centered approach prioritizes medical problems over the person’s overall well-being and goals.