Homeopathy in Geriatric Healthcare: A Critical Review of Applications, Evidence, Safety and Patient-Centred Care

Abstract

Population ageing has created increasing demand for healthcare approaches capable of addressing multiple chronic conditions, functional limitations, medication-related concerns, and declining quality of life among older adults. Geriatric healthcare is particularly complex because older people frequently experience multimorbidity, polypharmacy, frailty, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety, gastrointestinal complaints, and other long-term health problems. These circumstances have encouraged some older adults and caregivers to explore complementary and alternative medical systems, including homeopathy. Homeopathy is characterized by the principles of similars, individualization, and potentization through serial dilution and succussion. Supporters often describe it as a gentle and holistic approach that may complement conventional care. This paper critically examines the potential role of homeopathy in geriatric healthcare, focusing on chronic pain, osteoarthritis, sleep problems, anxiety, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory conditions, and general quality of life. It also discusses polypharmacy, patient expectations, therapeutic relationships, safety, treatment substitution, informed decision-making, caregiver involvement, and ethical considerations. Existing evidence concerning homeopathy remains controversial. Some studies and meta-analyses have reported outcomes favoring homeopathy, while other systematic reviews have identified methodological limitations, publication bias, heterogeneity, and insufficient evidence to establish reliable efficacy for specific diseases. In older adults, these uncertainties are particularly important because delayed diagnosis or discontinuation of effective treatment may have serious consequences. Although highly diluted preparations may reduce some direct pharmacological risks, products labeled homeopathic are not universally identical in composition or risk. Moreover, indirect harms can arise when patients replace proven treatment with ineffective alternatives. The paper argues that patient-centred geriatric care should respect individual preferences while maintaining evidence-based diagnosis and treatment. Homeopathy should not replace essential medication, vaccination, rehabilitation, or emergency care. Future research should prioritize well-designed trials involving older populations, clinically meaningful outcomes, long-term follow-up, medication-interaction assessment, safety monitoring, and health-economic analysis. A coordinated approach involving patients, caregivers, physicians, pharmacists, and complementary practitioners may help promote transparency and reduce preventable harm.