Suicide in late life. Identifying and managing at-risk older patients

The patient in this case displayed multiple risk factors for suicide, including depression, loneliness following recent widowhood, use of alcohol, and distribution of possessions to other people. In retrospect, it was found that he was stockpiling old medications and refused to comply with his plan of care. The patient's outcome was tragic despite numerous attempts to provide a support system to meet his needs. Although he appeared to improve with therapy, the patient may have had a suicidal agenda that he managed to hide from everyone, including his family and multiple healthcare professionals. The patient's daughter was offered bereavement counseling services, which she appreciated.