The Fourth Edition of this bestselling, highly regarded book has been fully revised to incorporate changes in law and clinical guidance making a vital impact on patient management, encompassing:. The Equality Act 2010 which provides the right of older people to treatment without discrimination. Case law on withdrawing nutrition and hydration. Updated guidance on resuscitation from the Resuscitation Council (UK), the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing. The redefining of good medical practice by the General Medical Council. The abolition of the Liverpool Care Pathway with updated guidance on end-of-life care and advance care planning. Expanded throughout, this new edition also integrates two entirely new chapters covering testamentary capacity and the role of the physician, and religious beliefs and end-of-life issues. Its practical, reflective and informative approach continues to make it essential reading for all health professionals, particularly trainees, involved in making difficult decisions in the care of older persons. It is also highly recommended for undergraduate medical students. ' This book combines a primer for the novice with advanced reasoning for the expert, both readerships being led through a range of very authentic case studies. The novice can look up the basic elements of current law, or acquire some rules of thumb about assessment of capacity or quality of life. The expert can think about clinical scenarios where there are no right answers, and all is contingent, or work out how the loss of the privilege of driving might be reframed to maximise mobility. Every practitioner should have this book, and it should be well-thumbed.' From the Foreword by Professor Steve Iliffe