End-of-life care is a type of medical care that focuses on comfort and quality of life for those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness or injury. This care includes physical, emotional, and spiritual support, as well as practical assistance to help patients maintain their independence and die with dignity. Here's a closer look at the different types of end-of-life care and the options available to individuals in their last days.

Advance Directive

An advance directive is a document that outlines your wishes regarding end-of-life care. In your advance directive, you can specify which treatments you want to receive or decline and make other decisions about your medical care in advance should you become unable to make decisions for yourself.

Palliative Care

Palliative care focuses on relieving pain and other symptoms associated with an illness or injury rather than curing it. It can be used alongside other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, to reduce pain or discomfort from side effects. Palliative care may also involve providing emotional support to the patient and their loved ones by offering counseling services or helping them make decisions about end-of-life treatment options.

Hospice Care

Hospice is a type of end-of-life care provided in a home setting or long-term care facility. Hospices are typically staffed by medical professionals such as nurses and physicians, as well as social workers, counselors, and chaplains. The goal of hospice care is to make the patient's last days comfortable and pain-free. In addition, hospices provide palliative treatments such as medication, nutrition counseling, massages, aromatherapy, music therapy, and other forms of physical comfort.

In-patient Care

In-patient end-of-life care is usually provided in a hospital when the patient needs more intensive medical care than can be provided in a home setting or when a home setting is not available. For example, patients may receive medications to manage pain levels or nutritional supplements if they cannot eat food on their own. In-patient facilities may also provide emotional support services such as pastoral counseling or grief counseling for family members dealing with the loss of a loved one.

DNR Order

A 'Do Not Resuscitate' or DNR order is a document that informs medical staff to not resuscitate a patient if their heart stops. A DNR order is a legally binding document and must be signed by you and your physician. In other words, if you die, the medical team is not allowed to do anything to extend your life.

Patients should discuss their wishes with medical professionals and loved ones so that everyone involved can work together to ensure they receive the end-of-life care they choose. By taking advantage of all available resources during this difficult time, individuals can maximize the quality of life for themselves—and those around them—during their final days.

For more information on end-of-life care, contact a professional near you.