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URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/endoflifeissues.html

End of Life Issues

Also called: Death and dying, Terminal care
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Summary

Planning for the end of life can be difficult. But by deciding what end-of-life care best suits your needs when you are healthy, you can help those close to you make the right choices when the time comes.

End-of-life planning usually includes making choices about the following:

  • The goals of care (for example, whether to use certain medicines during the last days of life)
  • Where you want to spend your final days
  • Which treatments for end-of-life care you wish to receive
  • What type of palliative care and hospice care you wish to receive

Advance directives can help make your wishes clear to your family and health care providers.

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The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.