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End of Life Issues

Source: MedlinePlus Health Topics, U.S. National Library of Medicine

Last synced 8/12/2026Status: primary verified

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.

Educational only
This information is for general education and is not medical advice. Always talk to a licensed U.S. clinician about your situation, medications, or treatment decisions.