What is the purpose of end-of-life care?

The purpose of end-of-life care is primarily to provide comfort and support during the dying process. This type of care focuses on the quality of life rather than a strict emphasis on prolonging life at all costs. It aims to alleviate pain and manage symptoms, allowing individuals to spend their final days with dignity and as much comfort as possible. Emotional, spiritual, and social support are also vital components, helping both patients and their families navigate this challenging time.

Providing comfort can involve various approaches, including palliative care interventions, which prioritize relief from distress and improve the overall quality of life for patients facing terminal conditions. By focusing on comfort rather than aggressive treatments that may not enhance the quality of life, end-of-life care respects the wishes of the patient and acknowledges the natural process of dying.

The other options do not align with the primary goals of end-of-life care. While legal documentation is important in healthcare, it is not the central focus of end-of-life care. Evaluating patient progress is typically more relevant in curative or rehabilitative contexts. Additionally, the idea of extending life at all costs contradicts the fundamental principles of end-of-life care, which prioritize comfort and support over aggressive interventions.