end-of-life care

Definition of end-of-life care

end-of-life care (… kayr): Care given to people who are near the end of life and have stopped treatment to cure or control their disease. End-of-life care includes physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support for patients and their families. The goal of end-of-life care is to control pain and other symptoms so the patient can be as comfortable as possible. End-of-life care may include palliative care, supportive care, and hospice care. Also called comfort care.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms