Terms You Should Know
Advance Directive. A declaration expressing an individual's health care preference, including both routine treatment preferences and direction on withholding or withdrawal of a life-prolonging procedure. An advance directive may include designation of an agent or surrogate (health care proxy) to make health care decisions if an individual is unable to do so.
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Order. An order by an attending physician, with patient consent (or possibly by surrogate consent) that directs hospital personnel not to revive the patient if cardio-pulmonary arrest occurs. In some locations people may exercise a DNR order that protects them from resuscitation at home or in alternate settings.
Health Care Proxy or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. A legal document naming an agent who will make health care decisions about life sustaining medical procedures, if the individual signing becomes incapable of making or communicating decisions. New York State recognizes a properly executed Health Care Proxy. A copy of the New York Proxy form and instructions for completing it are included at the end of this directory. Copies can also be obtained at local hospitals, by writing the New York State Department of Health (Health Care Proxy, P.O. Box 2000, Albany, NY 12220) or through their Web site or by contacting IPRO (1979 Marcus Avenue, Suite 105, Lake Success, NY 11042, Attn: Communications and Corporate Development). The term "Health Care Proxy" may also be used to refer to the person who you have appointed to be your agent.
Hospice. A special way of caring for people with a terminal illness that provides medical, emotional and social help in a comfortable and familiar place, usually the patient's home. Hospice care offers support and services to patients who are terminally ill, their families and caregivers. Hospice care focuses on providing medically necessary services such as pain management, nursing and social service support, emotional support and counseling, and assistance in accessing spiritual or respite care. Hospice care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid and the Veteran's Administration, and by many employee-sponsored health insurance plans.
Living Will. A written, signed and witnessed document or provision in a document, expressing in advance the signer's wishes regarding the use of extreme life supporting measures, if the signer is terminally ill and unable to express his/her wishes. Many states have enacted statutes that enable a person to execute a living will.
Pain Management. A systematic study of clinical and basic sciences and their application for the reduction of pain and suffering. It involves knowledge and participation of patients and caregivers as well as professional staff.
Palliative Care. Care provided to a terminally ill patient, often through a hospice program. It is intended to ease suffering and promote physical and emotional comfort but not to cure illness or prolong life.
Respite Care. One of the hospice care benefits that includes short-term relief for caregivers in the patient's home or in an inpatient facility covered by the patient's insurance.