Those closest to the patient in knowledge, care and affection.

May include:
- the biological family
- the family of acquisition (related by marriage/contract)
- the family of choice and friends (including pets)

The patient defines who will be involved in their care and/or present at the bedside."

Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association. A Model to Guide Hospice Palliative Care. Appendices: Lexicon of Commonly Used Terms. Accessed June 21, 2016.