End of life care refers to the interventions and treatment given to an individual in the final stages of their life following either disability or a disease process.  It is sometimes referred to as palliative care, hospice care, comfort care, or even supportive care.  As the population ages, health care professionals will need to become well-acquainted with caring for individuals at the end of their life.  The care of the dying patient, like all medical care, should be guided by the values and preferences of the individual patient.  Independence and dignity are central issues for many dying patients, particularly the elderly.  Maintaining control and not being a burden can also be relevant concerns.  A major focus of end-of-life care is the relief of pain and suffering and interventions that help improve the individual’s quality of life.  Many of these important principles/interventions are reviewed in throughout this overview of end-of-life care.