A

Activities of Daily Living ADL

Activities of daily living also referred to as ADLs, are the basic tasks of everyday life that people need to be able to perform in order to take care of themselves. ADLs can include bathing, getting dressed, grooming, eating, using the toilet, and other self-care activities. ADLs are often used as a measure of a person’s functional status and can be used to determine their level of independence. In hospice care, the goal is to help patients maintain as much independence and dignity as possible, and the hospice team may provide assistance with ADLs as needed.

Acute Illness
An acute illness is a medical condition that has a sudden onset and is typically severe but relatively short-lived. Acute illnesses are in contrast to chronic conditions, which are long-lasting and do not go away. Examples of acute illnesses include infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, and acute exacerbations of chronic conditions, such as a flare-up of asthma or congestive heart failure. Acute illnesses often require prompt medical treatment in order to recover and may require hospitalization or other medical interventions.

Aggressive Treatment
Aggressive treatment refers to medical treatments or procedures designed to aggressively attack or cure an illness. These treatments may involve powerful medications, surgery, or other invasive procedures and may be used in cases where the goal is to extend the patient’s life or cure their condition. Aggressive treatment can be physically and emotionally taxing and are not suitable for all patients, especially those in the advanced stages of a terminal illness. In hospice care, the focus is usually on comfort and quality of life rather than aggressive treatment.

B

Bereavement
Bereavement is a period of grief and mourning that follows the loss of a loved one. It is a natural process that everyone goes through when they lose someone close to them, and it is a normal and healthy way to cope with loss. The intensity and duration of bereavement can vary widely from person to person, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to grieve. Some people may find it helpful to talk about their feelings with friends and family, while others may find it more helpful to spend time alone.

Bereavement Counseling
Counseling provided to individuals grieving the loss of a loved one. This can include emotional support, coping strategies, and help adjusting to life after the loss.

Caregiver
A caregiver is a person that provides care and support to someone who is unable to care for themselves due to disability, illness, or advanced age. Caregivers can be professional healthcare workers, nurses, home health aides, family members, or friends who provide care voluntarily. Caregivers often have a wide range of responsibilities, including assisting with activities of daily living, managing medications, coordinating medical appointments, and providing emotional support. Being a caregiver can be a rewarding but challenging role, and it is important for caregivers to take care of their own physical and emotional health.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that is used to restore blood circulation and breathing in a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. CPR can be performed by healthcare professionals or trained laypeople, and involves chest compressions and rescue breaths. When CPR is performed promptly and effectively, it can save a person’s life and improve their chances of recovery. However, CPR is not always successful, and in some cases it may not be appropriate, such as in the case of a terminal illness.

Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN)
A Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse is a nurse who has passed a certification exam to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the care of patients with serious, chronic or terminal illnesses. CHPNs provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families, as well as managing symptoms and administering medications to control pain and other symptoms. They work in hospice and palliative care settings, such as hospitals, hospice centers, and long-term care facilities. To become a CHPN, a nurse must have a current RN license and at least 2 years of experience in hospice and palliative care.

Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA)
A Certified Nursing Assistant assists nurses and other medical staff in providing patient care. CNAs are trained to work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. CNAs are responsible for performing a wide range of duties, including assisting patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, taking vital signs, and helping with mobility. To become a CNA, an individual must complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam.

Chaplain
A hospice chaplain is a spiritual care provider who works with terminally ill patients and their families in a hospice setting. They provide emotional and spiritual support, counseling, and guidance, helping patients and families come to terms with end-of-life issues. They may also provide religious or spiritual rituals and sacraments if requested. Hospice chaplains may work as part of a hospice team, which can include doctors, nurses, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.

Chronic Illness
A chronic illness is a medical condition that is characterized by the persistent presence of symptoms and the need for ongoing medical treatment. Chronic illnesses are often progressive, which may worsen over time and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Some common examples of chronic illnesses include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. Chronic illnesses often require ongoing management, including medications, lifestyle changes, and regular medical follow-ups. In hospice care, patients with chronic illnesses may receive palliative care, which focuses on providing comfort and support rather than curing the underlying illness. 

Comfort Measures

Comfort measures are interventions to alleviate the symptoms and discomfort of a serious illness and improve the patient’s quality of life. Comfort measures may include medications, other therapies, and supportive measures such as counseling and spiritual care. In hospice care, care focuses on providing comfort and support to the patient and their family rather than curing the underlying illness. The hospice care team works with the patient and their family to identify their symptoms and needs and to develop a plan to manage them. Comfort measures are an important part of palliative care and are provided in a way that is respectful of the patient’s wishes and goals.

Caregiver
A caregiver is a person that provides care and support to someone who is unable to care for themselves due to disability, illness, or advanced age. Caregivers can be professional healthcare workers, nurses, home health aides, family members, or friends who provide care voluntarily. Caregivers often have a wide range of responsibilities, including assisting with activities of daily living, managing medications, coordinating medical appointments, and providing emotional support. Being a caregiver can be a rewarding but challenging role, and it is important for caregivers to take care of their own physical and emotional health.

Chronic Illness
A chronic illness is a long-lasting medical condition that does not go away. Chronic illnesses are in contrast to acute illnesses, which are typically severe but relatively short-lived. Examples of chronic illnesses include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. Chronic illnesses often require ongoing medical treatment and management, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In hospice care, the focus is on providing comfort and support to people in the advanced stages of a terminal chronic illness.

Comfort Measures

Comfort measures are interventions to alleviate the symptoms and discomfort of a serious illness and improve the patient’s quality of life. Comfort measures may include medications, other therapies, and supportive measures such as counseling and spiritual care. In hospice care, care focuses on providing comfort and support to the patient and their family rather than curing the underlying illness. The hospice care team works with the patient and their family to identify their symptoms and needs and to develop a plan to manage them. Comfort measures are an important part of palliative care and are provided in a way that is respectful of the patient’s wishes and goals.

D

Dementia
Dementia is a term used to describe a decline in cognitive function, including memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. Dementia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and brain injuries. Dementia is typically progressive, which means that it gets worse over time. It can significantly impact a person’s ability to live independently and may require support from caregivers. In hospice care, the focus is on providing comfort and support to people who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness, including those with dementia.

Diagnosis
A diagnosis is a determination of the nature and cause of a medical condition. It is made by a healthcare professional based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and test results. The process of making a diagnosis can involve a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures, such as blood tests, imaging studies, and biopsies. A diagnosis is important because it helps healthcare professionals to identify the specific condition that a patient is experiencing and to determine the most appropriate treatment.

DNR Do Not Resuscitate
A DNR is a medical order that directs healthcare professionals not to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if the patient’s heart stops or if the patient stops breathing. A DNR order is typically put in place when a patient’s medical condition is terminal and CPR is unlikely to be successful. A DNR order is usually written and signed by the patient’s healthcare provider, and it is typically put in place at the request of the patient or their family. A DNR order does not prevent other medical treatments from being provided, and it does not mean that the patient will be left to die. Rather, it is meant to respect the patient’s wishes and to ensure that they are not subjected to unnecessary or burdensome medical interventions.

E

Edema

Edema is swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissue. It can occur in any part of the body. Various factors, including injury, infection, inflammation, and certain medical conditions such as heart, liver, or kidney failure, can cause it. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but can include diuretics, compression stockings, the elevation of the affected limb, and reducing salt intake.

E-kit

A hospice E-kit is a collection of medical supplies and equipment specifically designed for hospice care, provided to individuals with a life-limiting illness. The contents of a hospice E-kit may include items such as:

• Medications for symptom management, such as pain and shortness of breath
• Equipment for oxygen therapy
• Incontinence supplies
• Personal hygiene items such as washcloths and lotion
• Comfort items such as a blanket and pillow
• Advance Directive and Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) forms
• List of emergency contact numbers

The goal of hospice care is to provide comfort and support for the patient and their family in their final days. The E-kit helps ensure that the necessary supplies and equipment are readily available to provide that care.

Election of Hospice
The election of hospice refers to the decision to enroll in hospice care. Hospice care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing comfort and support to people who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness. It is designed to help people live as comfortably and fully as possible in the time they have remaining. To enroll in hospice care, a person must be deemed eligible by a healthcare professional and must elect to receive hospice services. The election of hospice typically involves the patient and their family discussing their care preferences and goals with the hospice team and signing a document stating their intention to receive hospice care.

End-of-Life
End-of-life (EOL) refers to the time period when a person is approaching death and their condition is expected to deteriorate. The end-of-life phase can be difficult for patients and their families, as it involves coping with the physical and emotional challenges of a terminal illness and preparing for the end of life. In hospice care, the focus of care during the end-of-life phase is on providing comfort and support, rather than on curing the underlying illness. The hospice care team works with the patient and their family to address the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, and to ensure that the patient is as comfortable as possible. End-of-life care may involve the use of medications and other therapies to manage symptoms, as well as supportive measures such as counseling and spiritual care.

End-Stage Disease
End-stage disease is a term that is used to describe the final stages of a terminal illness, when the disease has progressed to the point where it can no longer be effectively treated and the patient is expected to have a limited life expectancy. End-stage disease is often characterized by severe symptoms, such as pain, difficulty breathing, and fatigue, and it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. In hospice care, the focus is on providing comfort and support to people who are in the end stages of a terminal illness, rather than trying to cure the underlying condition.

F

Failure to Thrive
Failure to thrive is a term used to describe a condition in which a child or adult is not gaining weight or growing as expected, or is losing weight or function. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, malnutrition, or social or environmental problems. Failure to thrive can have serious consequences, including developmental delays, impaired physical and mental function, and an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In hospice care, failure to thrive may be a factor in determining prognosis and care goals for patients who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness.

H

Hospice
Hospice is a type of medical care that focuses on providing comfort and support to people who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness. It is designed to help people live as comfortably and fully as possible in the time they have remaining. Hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in a hospice facility, or in a hospital. Hospice care is typically provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, who work together to provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and their families. Hospice care is appropriate for people who have a terminal illness and are expected to live for six months or less, and it is typically elected by the patient and their family after other treatment options have been exhausted.

I

Impending Death
Impending death refers to the belief that a person is in the final stages of a terminal illness and is expected to die soon. The signs of impending death can vary, but may include a decline in physical function, an increase in symptoms such as pain and fatigue, and a change in mental status such as delirium. In hospice care, the focus is on providing comfort and support to patients who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness and are experiencing impending death. This can include providing medications to control symptoms, offering emotional and spiritual support, and coordinating care with the patient’s family and other healthcare providers.

Informed Consent
Informed consent is the process of obtaining a patient’s agreement to undergo a medical procedure or treatment. Informed consent involves providing the patient with information about the procedure or treatment, including its purpose, risks, benefits, alternatives, and any potential consequences of not having the procedure or treatment. It is the patient’s right to be fully informed about their medical care and to make decisions about their treatment, and it is the healthcare provider’s responsibility to ensure that the patient understands the information and can make an informed decision. In hospice care, informed consent is an important aspect of the patient-centered care approach, and it involves respecting the patient’s wishes and autonomy in making decisions about their care. Informed consent may be obtained through verbal or written communication, and it should be documented in the patient’s medical record.

L

Living Will
A living will is a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes for medical treatment in the event that they become incapacitated or unable to communicate their decisions. A living will typically specifies the types of medical treatment that the person does or does not want to receive, including life-sustaining treatments such as mechanical ventilation or dialysis. It may also include directions for pain management and other medical care. A living will is an advance directive, which means that it is put in place before the person becomes incapacitated or too ill to make their own medical decisions. It is important to note that a living will is not a substitute for a healthcare power of attorney, which is a separate legal document that names a person to make medical decisions on the patient’s behalf.

M

Medicaid
Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides medical coverage to low-income individuals and families. It is administered by the states, but is funded jointly by the federal government and the states. Medicaid covers a wide range of medical services, including hospital care, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and long-term care. Eligibility for Medicaid is based on income, and it is often available to people who are aged, blind, disabled, or pregnant. Medicaid is a key source of healthcare coverage for many people in the United States, and it plays a particularly important role in the care of people who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness, including those who are enrolled in hospice care.

Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to people who are aged 65 or older, as well as to some younger people with disabilities. It is funded by payroll taxes and premiums paid by beneficiaries. Medicare covers a wide range of medical services, including hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription drugs. It is divided into four parts: Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care and other related services; Part B, which covers outpatient medical care and some preventive services; Part C, which is an alternative to Parts A and B that is offered by private insurance companies; and Part D, which covers prescription drugs. Medicare is a key source of healthcare coverage for many older Americans, and it plays a particularly important role in the care of people who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness, including those who are enrolled in hospice care.

Medical Power of Attorney
A medical power of attorney (also known as a healthcare power of attorney or healthcare proxy) is a legal document that allows a person to appoint someone else to make medical decisions on their behalf in the event that they become incapacitated or unable to communicate their decisions. The person appointed as the medical power of attorney is known as the agent or proxy. The agent has the legal authority to make decisions about the patient’s medical care, including decisions about treatment, medication, and other healthcare matters. It is important for the patient to discuss their wishes and values with their agent, and to select someone who they trust to make decisions in their best interests.

Metastatic
Metastatic refers to the spread of a disease, such as cancer, from one part of the body to another. When a cancer is metastatic, it means that it has spread from the primary site (where it originated) to another part of the body. Metastasis is a serious and often life-threatening complication of cancer, and it can significantly impact a person’s prognosis and treatment options. In hospice care, metastatic disease may be a factor in determining prognosis and care goals for patients who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness.

N

Nutrition Hydration
Nutrition and hydration are important aspects of care in hospice and palliative care, and they involve providing patients with the nutrients and fluids they need to maintain their health and well-being. In the advanced stages of a terminal illness, patients may have difficulty eating and drinking due to physical or cognitive limitations, or due to the side effects of medications or treatments. In these cases, nutrition and hydration may be provided through a variety of means, including orally, through a feeding tube, or through intravenous (IV) fluids. The goal of nutrition and hydration in hospice care is to support the patient’s comfort and quality of life, rather than to cure the underlying illness. The patient’s nutritional and hydration needs, as well as their preferences and goals, are taken into account in developing a care plan.

O

Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a type of therapy that helps people to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and to participate in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors, and they use a variety of techniques to improve physical, cognitive, and emotional function. Occupational therapy may be recommended for people who have a physical, mental, or developmental disability, or who are recovering from an injury or illness. In hospice care, occupational therapy may be used to help patients maintain their independence and quality of life, and to address issues such as pain, fatigue, and mobility.

Opioid
Opioids are a class of drugs that are used to relieve pain. They work by attaching to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body and reducing the perception of pain. Opioids are often used to treat moderate to severe pain, and they are available in various forms, including pills, patches, and injections. Some common examples of opioids include morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl. While opioids can be effective at relieving pain, they can also have side effects, including nausea, constipation, drowsiness, and the potential for addiction and abuse. In hospice care, opioids may be used as part of a pain management plan to help patients to be as comfortable as possible during the advanced stages of a terminal illness.

P

Palliative care
Palliative care is a type of medical care that focuses on providing comfort and relief from the symptoms of a serious illness. It is designed to improve the quality of life for patients and their families and to support them through the course of the illness. Palliative care can be provided at any stage of an illness, and it can be provided in conjunction with curative treatment. Palliative care is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, who work together to coordinate the patient’s care and address their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Palliative care is different from hospice care, although the two often overlap. Hospice care is a type of palliative care that is specifically designed for people who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness and are expected to live for six months or less.

Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a type of medical care that aims to improve movement, function, and quality of life through the use of exercise, manual therapy, and other techniques. Physical therapists work with people of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors, and they can help to improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent or minimize physical disability. Physical therapy may be recommended for people who have a physical, mental, or developmental disability, or who are recovering from an injury or illness. In hospice care, physical therapy may be used to help patients maintain their independence and quality of life, and to address issues such as pain, fatigue, and mobility.

Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document that allows a person (the principal) to appoint someone else (the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on their behalf in financial and legal matters. The agent has the legal authority to make decisions and take actions on the principal’s behalf, as specified in the power of attorney. There are different types of power of attorney, including financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney (also known as a healthcare power of attorney or healthcare proxy), and durable power of attorney. It is important for the principal to choose an agent who they trust and to discuss their wishes and values with the agent.

Prognosis
Prognosis is a prediction of the likely course and outcome of a medical condition. It is typically made by a healthcare professional based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination, and test results. Prognosis can be difficult to determine with certainty, especially for complex or serious conditions, and it can change over time as the patient’s condition and treatment progress. In hospice care, prognosis is an important consideration in determining care goals and in planning for the patient’s end-of-life needs.

Pulmonary
Pulmonary refers to the lungs and the respiratory system. The term is often used in the context of pulmonary diseases, which are conditions that affect the lungs and the respiratory system. Examples of pulmonary diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Pulmonary diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors such as smoking. They can range in severity from mild to severe, and they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and their ability to function. In hospice care, pulmonary diseases may be a factor in determining prognosis and care goals for patients who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness.

Psychosocial care
Psychosocial care refers to the emotional, social, and spiritual support that is provided to patients and their families in order to address the psychological and social impacts of a serious illness. Psychosocial care is an important aspect of palliative care and hospice care, and it is provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. Psychosocial care may include counseling, support groups, and other interventions to help patients and their families cope with the challenges of a terminal illness. It may also involve addressing issues such as grief, loss, and bereavement, and helping patients and their families to identify and address their social and spiritual needs. Psychosocial care is an important part of the interdisciplinary approach to hospice care, and it helps to ensure that the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.

R

Renal
Renal refers to the kidneys and the urinary system. The term is often used in the context of renal diseases, which are conditions that affect the kidneys and the urinary system. Examples of renal diseases include chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, and kidney cancer. Renal diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, high blood pressure, and diabetes. They can range in severity from mild to severe, and they can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and their ability to function. In hospice care, renal diseases may be a factor in determining prognosis and care goals for patients who are in the advanced stages of a terminal illness.

Respite care
Respite care is a type of short-term care that provides a break for caregivers of people who are chronically ill, disabled, or elderly. Respite care can be provided in a variety of settings, including at home, in a respite care facility, or in a hospital. It is designed to give caregivers the opportunity to rest and recharge, while ensuring that the person they are caring for is safe and receiving the necessary care. Respite care can be a valuable resource for caregivers, as caring for a chronically ill or disabled person can be physically and emotionally draining. In hospice care, respite care may be provided to give caregivers a break and to give the patient a chance to receive more intensive care in a hospice facility.

Respite stay
A respite stay is a short-term stay in a hospice facility or other care setting that is designed to provide a break for caregivers of people who are chronically ill, disabled, or elderly. Respite stays can vary in length, but they are typically several days to a week in duration. During a respite stay, the patient is provided with the necessary medical and personal care, while the caregiver has the opportunity to rest and recharge. Respite stays can be a valuable resource for caregivers, as caring for a chronically ill or disabled person can be physically and emotionally draining. In hospice care, respite stays may be provided to give caregivers a break and to give the patient a chance to receive more intensive care in a hospice facility.

S

Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms are changes in a person’s body or behavior that are indicative of a medical condition or disease. Signs are physical changes that can be observed by others, such as fever, rash, or difficulty breathing. Symptoms are subjective changes that are experienced by the person, such as pain, fatigue, or nausea. Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of the medical condition, and they may develop gradually or suddenly. In hospice care, signs and symptoms are monitored closely in order to identify any changes in the patient’s condition and to provide appropriate care and support. The hospice care team works with the patient and their family to manage the patient’s signs and symptoms and to ensure that their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.

Social Worker
A social worker is a professional who helps people to cope with the social, emotional, and practical issues that arise in their lives. Social workers work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and community agencies, and they provide a range of services, including counseling, support, and advocacy. Social workers are trained to help people navigate complex systems and to connect them with the resources they need to improve their lives. In hospice care, social workers are a key member of the interdisciplinary team and they provide emotional and practical support to patients and their families. This can include helping patients and families to cope with the challenges of a terminal illness, coordinating care, and making referrals to community resources.

Speech Pathologist
A speech pathologist (also known as a speech-language pathologist) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders. Speech pathologists work with people of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors, and they use a variety of techniques to improve language, speech, and swallowing skills. Speech pathology may be recommended for people who have a physical, cognitive, or developmental disability, or who are recovering from an injury or illness. In hospice care, speech pathology may be used to help patients maintain their independence and quality of life, and to address issues such as communication, swallowing, and cognitive function.

Recertification (Hospice Recertification)
Hospice recertification refers to the process of renewing the certification of a hospice program. Hospice programs are required to be certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in order to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Certification is granted for a specific period of time, usually three years, and it must be renewed before it expires in order to continue participating in the program. The process of hospice recertification involves completing an application and undergoing a survey by a CMS-approved accrediting organization. The survey assesses the hospice program’s compliance with Medicare and Medicaid regulations, as well as with standards for hospice care set by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. Hospice recertification helps to ensure that hospice programs continue to meet the high quality standards required to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Symptom Management
Symptom management is a key aspect of palliative care and hospice care, and it involves the use of various strategies to alleviate the symptoms of a serious illness and improve the patient’s quality of life. Symptoms that may be managed in hospice care include pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, constipation, and others. Symptom management may involve the use of medications, other therapies, and lifestyle changes. The goal of symptom management is to help the patient to be as comfortable as possible and to maintain their independence and quality of life for as long as possible. Symptom management is an important part of the interdisciplinary approach to hospice care, and it involves collaboration between the patient, their family, and the hospice care team.

W

Withholding Care
Withholding care refers to the decision not to provide or to discontinue medical treatment or interventions that are deemed to be of no benefit or to be causing harm to the patient. Withholding care is a complex and often difficult decision that may be made by the patient, their family, and their healthcare team. It is typically made in the context of a terminal illness, when the patient has a limited life expectancy and the focus of care shifts from curing the illness to managing symptoms and providing comfort. Withholding care may be appropriate when the patient’s condition is unlikely to improve and when the risks and burdens of treatment outweigh the potential benefits. Withholding care is not the same as withdrawing care, which refers to the discontinuation of life-sustaining treatments, such as mechanical ventilation or dialysis.

Withdrawing Care
Withdrawing care refers to the discontinuation of medical treatment or interventions that are deemed to be of no benefit or to be causing harm to the patient. Withdrawing care is a complex and often difficult decision that may be made by the patient, their family, and their healthcare team. It is typically made in the context of a terminal illness, when the patient has a limited life expectancy and the focus of care shifts from curing the illness to managing symptoms and providing comfort. Withdrawing care may be appropriate when the patient’s condition is unlikely to improve and when the risks and burdens of treatment outweigh the potential benefits. Withdrawing care is not the same as withholding care, which refers to the decision not to provide certain treatments or interventions that may be of potential benefit.