End of Life
Learning about options for end-of-life care can help you and your loved one ensure that his
or her wishes are honored, and that you get the support you need. Common questions include
finding support and understanding grief and loss and what care can be
provided through palliative care and hospice services.
To palliate means to make comfortable by treating a person’s symptoms from an illness. The goal
is to minimize physical and emotional suffering while providing support to the person’s loved ones.
Considered to be the model for quality, compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness
or injury, hospice and palliative care involve a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain
management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the person’s needs and wishes.
Support is provided to the person’s loved ones as well.
Grief is the normal and natural response to the loss of someone or something important to you. It can
be caused by many types of events, including death, divorce, job loss, a move away from family and friends,
or loss of good health due to illness.
Next Step: Learn more about palliative care and how it differs from hospice.
Content shown was developed through a collaboration between AGIS and the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
