We will each do this "On Our Own Terms."

There are three broad categories of choices typically made:

• To seek a cure and prolong life at all costs.
• To prolong life with the use of artificial hydration and nutrition.
• To seek hospice care without artificially prolonging life.

Seeking a cure and prolonging life at all costs
Some patients and families choose to seek a cure for whatever disease the patient has. This means continued treatment for the disease and its associated symptoms. It may mean multiple trips to the hospital including a stay in Intensive Care and the use of life prolonging measures.

Artificial Hydration and Nutrition
The use of artificial hydration and nutrition is a decision that families may be called upon to make on behalf of their loved ones.

Artificial hydration means giving a person liquids, such as sugar water or important vitamins through an IV into a vein. Many families will choose this for the person facing a last days or weeks of life because they have noticed a gradual decline in the amount of liquid, or water, that the person is drinking. For some individuals, artificial hydration can include a very complex formula that has high concentrations of sugar and necessary proteins (called amino acids). This formula, called Total Parenteral Nutrition (or TPN) might be offered when the patient has absolutely no other means to ingest food.

Artificial nutrition is commonly given to patients through a feeding tube. This tube may be temporarily passed through the nose to the stomach or, may be surgically inserted through the skin directly into the stomach. Once in place, liquid nutrition is given on a regular schedule.

Typically, patients and families are taught how to administer artificial hydration and nutrition in their own homes. They are usually supported by home health agencies whose nurses to make regular visits to teach the family and monitor the patient.

Seek Hospice Care Without Artificially Prolonging Life
Hospice care focuses on providing comfort and support for persons facing a life-threatening illness and for their families as well. Hospice promotes pain management and the management of other distressing symptoms in addition to emotional, social, and spiritual care and support.

Patients and their families generally choose hospice when they no longer desire curative or life prolonging treatment.

The hospice team, composed of doctors, nurses, social workers, nurses aides, chaplains and volunteers work together to support the entire family and help them care for the patient at home. If the patient and family desire, brief periods of hospitalization can be arranged by the hospice.

In addition to services from caring professionals, a hospice can provide financial relief through the Medicare Hospice Benefit or another insurance plan that offers similar coverage. By paying for equipment and some prescription medications, such as pain medicine or other medications needed for comfort, the hospice can save the family significant amounts of money.

Ultimately, hospice care helps families take care of their loved ones for the remaining months of life.

For more information about your choices, contact a hospice near you. Their staff can help you understand your specific options.