When older adults need others to help them with medical, physical, or emotional needs over an extended period of time, they need long-term care.
Most older people are independent. But later in life, you or someone you love may need help with everyday activities, such as shopping, cooking and bathing.
A living will tells others how you want to be treated when it comes to life-sustaining measures.
Palliative care focuses on improving a patient's quality of life by improving the symptoms of his or her illness, such as pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty sleeping. It's used with a variety of ailments, including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney failure, or congestive heart failure.