Clinical management of the terminally ill

Physicians who provide primary care for the elderly are spending more time caring for terminally ill patients. Although curing these patients' illnesses is impossible, it is often possible to improve their quality of life and give them more control over their illness. Communication with the patient and family members, advance directives, and planning for death are important. Symptoms such as pain, dyspnea, and nausea can usually be controlled. Other health care professionals and hospice care when appropriate can also be helpful.