A vast majority of people die after an extended illness, and most die in hospitals, even when their wishes are to die at home. There are many options available to help alleviate pain and suffering as the end approaches. If the planning process has been completed and communicated to your loved ones, your wishes will be known in the event you are not able to communicate them directly.
Palliative Care: Treatment designed to maintain the quality of life for patients with a serious illness, as opposed to treatment designed to cure the illness. Can include disease treatment, pain and symptom management, spiritual and psychological care, practical and nursing care.
Hospice: Care for people who are expected to die within a short time period. Can include pain and symptom management, spiritual and psychological care, practical and nursing care, and companionship.
Washington State Death with Dignity: Allows terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to choose to end their life by requesting lethal doses of medication from their physician.