End of Life Care Directory
People may face difficult decisions near the end of life, including the kind of care they'd like to receive and who will make decisions about their care. It's advisable to be prepared by writing an advance directive with instructions about medical care in case of future inability to make a decision and appointing a health care agent or attorney to make treatment decisions. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about end-of-life care, deciding on curative or palliative care, choosing a health care agent, writing an advance directive, finding end of life support, and much more.
Medical Reference
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What Is Life Support?
Life support keeps the body alive by doing the work of bodily functions that are failing. Learn what life support includes, when it's needed, and when it might be stopped.
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Care at the End of Life-After Death
AutopsyAn autopsy is the thorough examination of a body after death to help determine how and why a person died. Autopsies are not performed as frequently as they once were, especially when the death was expected. An autopsy is often not needed to determine the cause of death when a person dies of a disease or condition that had been diagnosed. If a diagnosis and cause of death were unclear, some
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Hospice Care-Considering Hospice Care
You may want to consider hospice care if:You have a disease or illness that is expected to shorten your life.Treatment that tries to cure the disease or prolong your life has become more of a burden than a benefit to you.You would like to spend your remaining life as comfortably as possible in a setting that you choose, such as your own home.You want family and friends to participate in your ...
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Care at the End of Life-Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about end - of - life care:What kinds of care are available at the end of life?What is hospice?How can I be sure my doctors will respect my wishes as I approach death?Do I need a living will?What is the dying process like?Will I be in pain?Getting treatment:Where should I receive treatment?Should I receive artificial hydration and nutrition?Should I receive CPR and mechanical ...
Features
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Coping with a Life-Threatening Illness
Palliative care improves life by helping patients and caregivers cope with life-threatening illness.
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What Is Palliative Care?
With a focus on quality of life and a holistic approach, palliative care helps patients and families through serious illnesses.
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Palliative Care for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Palliative care for cancer patients helps ease discomfort, anxiety, nausea, and emotional distress. Find out how palliative care can improve quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
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Talk About Death
When a loved one is dying, how do you find the right words?