This study describes an experience of caring for an 80-year-old patient with an irreversible condition secondary to severe myocardial infarction. Considering quality of life and living with dignity, the patient chose palliative care and hospice. Data were collected from October 1 to October 14, 2009 through interview and observation. Through the use of Gordon's 11 Functional Health Patterns assessment, the major identified medical problems included alteration of tissue perfusion (cardio-pulmonary) and insufficient cardiovascular oxygen supply, anxiety and threat from disease, and anticipatory grief. The goals of nursing care were to alleviate the patient's suffering, reduce the patient's anxiety from facing death, offer the patient and family emotional support, and alleviate the family's grief after the patient's death; therefore, the patient could receive high quality care during the last stage of life. This study can be used as a reference for those who take care of terminally ill patients.