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What is end-of-life care? End-of-life care is the term used to describe the support and medical care given during the time surrounding death. This type of care does not happen only in the moments before breathing ceases and the heart stops beating.
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) states that end-of-life care or hospice care commences when a person has a diagnosis of a terminal illness with less than 6 months to live, and curative treatments are no longer options.
Hospice care is a specific type of palliative care that is provided in the final weeks or months of life. Although these two forms of care are similar in some ways, they can differ as to when and where care is received, and which treatment options are available.
Care given to people who are near the end of life and have stopped treatment to cure or control their disease. End-of-life care includes physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support for patients and their families.
End of life care, which may involve palliative and hospice care, may last only days, when illness comes on suddenly, or it can extend for months or longer for those with chronic illnesses. The goal of end of life care is to ease pain, provide emotional and spiritual comfort, plan for advanced care, and improve a person’s overall quality of life.
When a loved one is dying, conversations about the end of life may be uncomfortable and hard. Still, talking about end-of-life care is important. Depending on the circumstances, you might be able to help your loved one make important end-of-life decisions.
You can receive end of life care at home, in a care home, hospice or be cared for in hospital, depending on your needs and preference. People who are approaching the end of their life are entitled to high-quality care, wherever they're being cared for. Find out what to expect from end of life care. Who provides end of life care?