What is Terminal Illness?
Terminal illness means any illness which ends in death. There is no possibility of recovery. Clinicians’ definition differs from terminal illness as defined in DLA / AA regulations.
- In DLA / AA regulations we define this as more likely to die of their disease in the next six months than not.
- Clinicians define terminal illness as any illness that will end in death.
A person may be terminally ill according to a clinician’s definition but not be terminally ill according to regulations because they are expected to live longer than six months. This can be difficult to determine and it is recommended that all such cases be referred to medical services.
It is important to recognise that some people may function well during a terminal illness. They may be able to walk about, cook meals and care for themselves. Disability may only prevent them from carrying out these activities in the final few weeks or days of their illness. All treatment given at this stage will aim to keep them as independent, pain free and mobile as possible. A significant number will be receiving palliative chemotherapy during their final six months and this may be part of a clinical trial. Being part of a clinical trial has no bearing on whether a person is terminally ill nor does it indicate they are more likely to recover from their disease. Terminally ill patients often take part in clinical trials.
