Acceptance
K�bler-Ross' fifth stage of dying, in which the person stops struggling against death and develops a sense of peace.
Active Euthanasia or Assisted Suicide
Deliberately inducing death in order to end a terminally ill person's suffering.
Advance Care Planning
The process of thinking about and communicating one's preferences regarding end-of-life care.
Anger
K�bler-Ross' second stage of dying, in which the person rages against death and directs negative energy outward toward others.
Bargaining
K�bler-Ross' third stage of dying, in which the person negotiates with God in order to postpone or delay death.
Brain Death
When all neurological electrical activity has ceased for a specified period of time.
Complicated or Prolonged Grief
Enduring despair that is still unresolved at least six months following the death of a loved one.
Denial
K�bler-Ross' first stage of dying, in which the person refuses to believe that he or she is really going to die.
Depression
K�bler-Ross' fourth stage of dying, in which the person may become silent, refuse visitors, and spends much of the time crying or grieving.
Euthanasia
The act of painlessly ending the lives of individuals who are suffering from an incurable disease or severe disability.
Grief
The emotional numbness, disbelief, separation anxiety, despair, sadness, and loneliness that accompanies the loss of a loved one.
Hospice
A program committed to making the end of life as free from pain, anxiety, and depression as possible.
Living Will or Advance Directive
A legal document that reflects a person's wishes for end-of-life care.
Palliative Care
Helping individuals die with dignity by reducing pain and suffering.
Passive Euthanasia
Allowing a terminally ill person to die by withholding available treatment.