Palliative Care Medical Reference

Treating the pain and side effects of serious illness, and easing the last days of a dying patient

Learn what happens to a body in the months, weeks, and hours before death, and what you can do for someone who is dying.

Life support keeps the body alive by doing the work of bodily functions that are failing. WebMD explains what life support includes, when it's needed, and when it might be stopped.

WebMD's guide for dementia caregivers offers basic information on dementia as well as tips and resources for those taking care of people with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

WebMD offers a guide for parents who are searching for palliative care services for a sick child.

The palliative care team can help patients and their families deal with anxiety and depression as the end of life draws near. If clinical depression occurs, it can be successfully treated.

WebMD offers age-based advice on what parents might say to siblings of a sick or dying child.

WebMD offers help to parents who have just learned their newborn may not survive a life-threatening condition.

As a caregiver for someone with a long-term or incurable illness, you may start grieving before they pass away. WebMD helps you learn how to deal with your emotions.

As life draws to a close, people need answers to important questions. WebMD reviews some of the issues that often come up in the palliative care process.

Advance directives are legally binding and tell doctors what life extending measures you want taken, or not taken, if you are unable to communicate. Medical power of attorney designates a person to make decisions not covered in your advance directives.

WebMD helps you know how and when to talk with your family, friends, and children about a life-threatening or terminal illness.

WebMD discusses things to think about If you're facing a life-threatening illness: Be sure you've drawn up a will, filled out an advance directives form, appointed a healthcare power of attorney, and discussed funeral/burial/cremation plans with your family.

WebMD explains non-drug therapies and techniques to ease the pain of a life-threatening illness.

WebMD explains the kinds of medications used to alleviate pain in those with life-threatening illness.

WebMD explains palliative care teams, also known as pediatric advanced care (PAC) teams, that partner with families to address the range of typical emotions that siblings of a seriously ill child may experience.

WebMD explains palliative care, designed to boost the quality of life for people with chronic or terminal illnesses.

WebMD offers resources to find information on palliative care and palliative care practitioners.

WebMD takes a look at the palliative care team, the services the team provides, and a suggested list of questions to ask your palliative care team members.