Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)
A medical order written by a doctor instructing healthcare providers not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if a patient’s breathing stops or if the patient’s heart stops beating.
Bereavement Care
Support and services provided to individuals after the death of a loved one.
Advance Directive
A legal document that indicates a patient’s wishes regarding their medical treatment in circumstances in which they are no longer able to express informed consent.
Comfort Care
Care that helps or soothes a person who is dying. The goals are to prevent or relieve suffering as much as possible and to improve quality of life while respecting the dying person’s wishes.
End-of-Life Care
Support and medical care given during the time surrounding death.
Hospice Team
A group of professionals and volunteers that provide hospice services, including doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual advisors, and more.
Transition of Care
The coordination and continuity of healthcare during a movement from one healthcare setting to another (e.g. from home to a nursing facility), or from one mode of care to another (e.g. from active cancer treatment to hospice care).
Volunteer Services
Services provided by volunteers to support patients and families in hospice and palliative care settings, often consisting of household chores and therapeutic companionship.
Inpatient Hospice
Hospice care that is provided in a hospital or other facility for patients who need more intensive care.
Outpatient Hospice
Hospice care that is provided to patients in their own homes.
