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Persons who are terminally ill and expect to die shortly, should confess their sins. (The standard confession can be found in the traditional prayer book.) This way, having repented, they can face the heavenly court. It is also proper to take leave of children and relatives and encourage them to cling to the ways of truth and goodness, the Jewish heritage.
There is a concern though, that if doctors and relatives tell someone that his or her days are numbered, it could break the person's spirit and shorten their life even more. An additional reason not to tell someone is that it cannot be known with certainty. Therefore, people should not tell patients they have no chance of getting better. Rather, it is a mitzva for the people around them to relate to them based on what they know of their character. They should inform the person gently and with sensitivity that they are dangerously ill, so they can recite the confession and take leave of their family. At the same time, they should express hope that the situation might improve, and that the person's life might be extended in the merit of their confession and separation.
Someone who shortens the life of a terminally ill patient is guilty of murder, since every minute of life has absolute value. Even if someone sick begs people to put him out of his or her misery, it is forbidden to do so. Furthermore, anyone who actively removes a patient’s food and water is considered a murderer. However, if it is known the patient does not want efforts made to extend his or her life, or if it is known they are suffering greatly and want to die, one should passively refrain from giving them life-extending treatments. These laws are very detailed, and this is not the place to discuss them at length.
