Acceptance
The final stage of grief/dying; the person understands and accepts the fact that they are going to die.
Arteriosclerosis
Thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries, often decreasing blood supply to the brain.
Daydreaming
A defense mechanism; a dreamlike thought process that occurs when a person is awake, providing an escape from reality.
Displacement
A defense mechanism; transferring feelings about one person to someone else.
Growth
Measurable physical changes that occur throughout a person’s life, such as height and weight.
Adolescence
Life stage from 12 to 18 years of age.
Bargaining
Stage of grief where the person accepts death but wants more time to live.
Defense mechanisms
Unconscious acts that help a person deal with an unpleasant situation or socially unacceptable behavior.
Early adulthood
Life stage from 19 to 40 years of age.
Hospice
Care that provides support and comfort (palliative care) for people who are dying.
Affection
A warm or tender feeling toward another person.
Chemical abuse
Use of substances (alcohol or drugs) leading to physical and/or mental dependence.
Denial
A defense mechanism (and first stage of grief); disbelief of an event or idea that is too frightening to cope with.
Early childhood
Life stage from 1 to 6 years of age.
Infancy
Life stage from birth to 1 year of age.
Alzheimer’s disease
An irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.
Cognitive
Intellectual or mental development, such as learning and problem-solving.
Depression
Stage of grief occurring when a person realizes death will come soon and they will no longer be with family.
Emotional
Dealing with feelings (love, hate, joy, fear, excitement, etc.).
Late adulthood
Life stage from 65 years of age and older.
Anger
Stage of grief occurring when a person is no longer able to deny death; may be directed at self or others.
Compensation
A defense mechanism involving the substitution of one goal for another to achieve success.
Development
Changes in intellectual, mental, emotional, social, and functional skills that occur over time.
Esteem
Self-respect and obtaining the approval of others.
Late childhood
Life stage from 6 to 12 years of age.