What is the primary focus of end-of-life care?

The primary focus of end-of-life care is to provide support and care during the time surrounding death. This approach is centered around improving the quality of life for patients who are in the final stages of a terminal illness or are nearing the end of life. It emphasizes comfort, dignity, and the management of symptoms, allowing patients and their families to make meaningful memories during this significant time.

End-of-life care also encompasses emotional, spiritual, and psychological support, focusing on the patient's preferences and wishes. This may involve pain management, assistance with daily activities, and facilitating communication between the patient, family, and healthcare providers to ensure that the patient's needs and desires are met.

While the other options address important aspects of healthcare and wellness, they do not directly align with the specific goals and compassionate approach that characterize end-of-life care. For instance, curing illness and providing rehabilitation focus on treatment and recovery, which are not primary objectives when a patient is in the end stages of their life. Similarly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle does not pertain to the care provided at this critical juncture, where the emphasis shifts away from cures and therapies to comfort and support.