Acceptance
The final stage of grieving where the patient understands and accepts the fact that they are going to die, often completing unfinished business and separating themselves from the world.
Affection
A warm and tender feeling for another person, which is part of the third level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Love and Affection.
Alzheimer's disease
A disease that can lead to irreversible loss of memory, deterioration of intellectual functions, speech and gait disturbances, and disorientation.
Anger
One of the five stages of grieving that a dying patient may experience when they can no longer deny death. Statements like "Why me?" are common, and the patient may strike out at anyone.
Arteriosclerosis
A thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries that can decrease the blood supply to the brain and cause a decrease in mental abilities.
Bargaining
One of the five stages of grieving where patients accept death but want more time to live, often turning to religion and spiritual beliefs to fight for goals they want to achieve.
Chemical abuse
The use of substances such as alcohol or drugs and the development of a physical and/or mental dependence on these chemicals.
Cognitive
A term used interchangeably with Mental; refers to intellectual development and includes learning how to solve problems, make judgments, and deal with situations.
Compensation
This involves the substitution of one goal for another goal to achieve success.
Daydreaming
A dreamlike thought process that occurs when a person is awake, providing a means of escape when a person is not satisfied with reality.
Defense mechanisms
Indirect methods of satisfying human needs that work at reducing the need or relieving the tension and frustration created by the unmet need.
Denial
The "No, not me!" stage of grieving, which usually occurs when a person is first told of a terminal illness and cannot accept the reality of death. It is also listed as a defense mechanism
Depression
One of the five stages of grieving that occurs when patients realize that death will come soon and they will no longer be with their families or be able to complete their goals.
Development
The changes in intellectual, mental, emotional, social, and functional skills that occur over time.
Displacement
This involves transferring feelings about one person to someone else, usually because the individual cannot direct the feelings toward the person who is responsible.
Early adulthood
A life stage covering ages 19–40 years.
Early childhood
A life stage covering ages 1–6 years.
Emotional
Refers to feelings and includes dealing with love, hate, joy, fear, excitement, and other similar feelings.
Esteem
Maslow's fourth level of needs; includes feeling important and worthwhile, gained when others show respect, approval, and appreciation.
Growth
The measurable physical changes that occur throughout a person's life (e.g., height, weight, body shape, etc.).
Hospice (hoss'-pis)
Care that offers palliative care, or care that provides support and comfort, with the philosophy of allowing the patient to die with dignity and comfort.
Infancy
A life stage covering ages birth to 1 year.
Late adulthood
A life stage covering ages 65 years and older.
Late childhood
A life stage covering ages 6–12 years, also called preadolescence.
Life stages
The certain stages of growth and development that each person passes through from birth to death.