It’s important to respect the natural aging process and recognize that oftentimes the medical system prioritizes treatment over true well-being, sometimes offering interventions that may not improve quality of life. While we all face the end of life eventually, educating ourselves now, allows us to focus on living well and making informed choices for a better journey.
Quality of life goals are essential to life planning, yet many people overlook a key piece of the puzzle which is palliative care. Palliative care is available to anyone facing a chronic progressive disease, an acute health issue or a new or established cancer diagnosis. An understanding of palliative care is vital to long-term planning. For older adults and adults of all ages, it ensures you stay in control, making informed choices about your health and well-being if you ever face a chronic or progressive illness affecting quality of life.
But what is palliative care? I recently had the opportunity to meet Lauren Sisson, Hospice & Palliative Medicine Nurse Practitioner from Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice based in Middletown, RI, to gain deeper insight into what palliative care is and why it matters to all of us. The conversation was eye-opening.
“Palliative care is a widely misunderstood specialty. It’s not the same as hospice, yet people often confuse the two”, says Sisson. “Palliative care offers an extra layer of support–an integrated approach that shifts the focus to the whole family aiming to reduce physical, emotional and spiritual suffering. It is a consultative model guided by a doctor or nurse practitioner specifically trained to support individuals with life-limiting illness who are actively seeking treatment.”
“The healthcare system is designed to treat illness, the increasing lifespan we see today is a testament to medical advancements. But sometimes, treatment comes at the cost of quality of life,” Sisson says. Research shows that nearly 25% of Medicare spending in the last year of life goes toward aggressive interventions, such as ICU admissions, repeated hospitalizations and invasive medical treatments (JAMA 2024). While these treatments can be beneficial in some cases, they may not always align with a person’s wishes or improve well-being.
This is where palliative care plays a critical role. Sisson explains,
“Rather than focusing solely on extending life, palliative care takes a different approach. It’s not about giving up–it’s about making sure that at any age and any stage of serious illness, people receive care that aligns with their wishes, prioritizes comfort, and helps them live as well as possible for as long as possible. Whether in their 20s, surviving cancer, or in their 90s, needing extra support to ensure comfort and quality of life before considering hospice, palliative care is a powerful tool that helps people stay in control of their care and well-being,”
Sisson reflects on a specific case:
“Palliative care provides symptom management and guidance for those navigating serious illnesses. Last year, I worked with a patient with oxygen-dependent COPD who struggled with severe respiratory issues, including recurrent pneumonia. Though his condition was progressive, it remained manageable. With palliative care, he received the right support, eventually transitioned to hospice, and later improved so significantly that he no longer needed hospice care–allowing him to continue living a better life.”
Nurse Practitioners like Lauren Sisson play a key role, offering insights beyond prescriptions–they see firsthand how patients live, what matters most, and can make recommendations that truly support quality of life. “What made the biggest difference for this COPD patient wasn’t just the medical care but also his determination to keep living fully,” Sisson reflected.
Who qualifies for this type of care?
Palliative care is available to individuals facing chronic progressive diseases, acute medical issues, or cancer at any stage. Most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid cover palliative care services and coverage varies by provider, setting (home, hospital, etc.), and specific needs of the patient. Unfortunately, many patients, primary care providers, and specialists are unaware of how much this care can help. If more people knew it was available they could live more comfortably during illness.
Sisson emphasizes the importance of awareness: “It’s crucial that both patients and healthcare providers continue to educate themselves about palliative care. The more we understand its benefits and availability, the more we can ensure people receive the right support to live as well as possible, even while facing serious illness.”
How Can You Learn More?
If you’re wondering whether palliative care is right for you or a loved one, you can call Visiting Nurse Home and Hospice at 401-682-2100 to speak with a clinical liaison or nurse practitioner. This agency is committed to help you understand what palliative care is, what it offers, and how it can support you at any stage.
For over 75 years, Visiting Nurse Home & Hospice has been a trusted resource serving Aquidneck Island and beyond. Their non-profit commitment to care ensures that individuals and families facing serious illness receive the support they need to live with dignity, comfort and the right care at the right time. To learn more visit their website or call 401-682-2100.
Helen Hames is a Certified Senior Advisor and the Founder of Age Ambassador, where she helps families navigate the complexities of senior living and aging in place. Based in Newport, RI, Helen has extensive experience serving families across Rhode Island. You can learn more at AgeAmbassador.com.
