Homoeopathy in geriatric care: a study of elderly patients’ experiences and outcomes

Dr Sadiya KT

This dissertation explores the role of homeopathy in geriatric care, focusing on elderly patients suffering from chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory ailments, mental health issues, neurological conditions, digestive issues and other ailments. The study aims to assess how individualized homeopathic treatment influences symptom management, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life among the elderly attending a homeopathic medical college hospital.

This cross-sectional, mixed-methods study provides an opportunity to analyze clinical outcomes and patient experiences, thereby identifying patterns in remedy selection, potency use, and treatment adherence. Such an approach offers valuable insight into the practical application of homeopathic principles in geriatric medicine and contributes to the development of evidence-based strategies for elderly care.

By correlating clinical improvement with quality-of-life parameters using standardized tools such as the WHOQOL-old scale, the study seeks to enhance understanding of the scope and effectiveness of homeopathy in managing chronic geriatric conditions. Ultimately, this research aims to strengthen the scientific basis for the integration of homeopathy in comprehensive geriatric healthcare practice.

ABSTRACT
Data and methods: a cross sectional mixed methods study titled: homoeopathy in geriatric care, a study of elderly patients’ experiences and outcomes. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted using a structured survey questionnaire. 200 elderly patients (aged ≥60 years) attending the inpatient and outpatient department of government homoeopathic medical college Kozhikode, receiving homeopathic treatment for at least three months were included. Quantitative data were collected from patient case files and by using WHOQOL-OLD scale which is analyzed with descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. Qualitative data from interviews provided insights into patient satisfaction and perceived benefits.

Results: the findings indicated that among 200 elderly patients suffering from chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and neurological disorders, 85% showed marked improvement in symptoms and overall well-being, while 15% exhibited partial or minimal response. A significant increase in post-treatment quality-of-life (QOL) scores was observed, reflecting improvement across physical, emotional, and social domains.

Remedies such as rhustox, arnica, lycopodium, nux vomica, and bryonia were most frequently prescribed, with 200c potency being the most commonly used.

Conclusion: the study suggests that homeopathy plays a meaningful role in the management of chronic conditions in the elderly, providing both clinical improvement and enhanced quality of life. Individualized homeopathic treatment demonstrated potential to reduce disease severity, promote emotional stability, and improve vitality. These results indicate that homeopathy is a safe, effective, and integrative therapeutic approach for managing chronic geriatric disorders and improving overall health outcomes in ageing populations.

Dr Sadiya KT
Intern doctor, Govt Homoeopathic Medical College Calicut, Kerala
Under the Guidance of Dr Mansoor Ali KR HOD Department of Repertory
Email id : sadiyakt08@gmail.com

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