Understanding Palliative Care: What It Is and Why It Matters to New Hampshire

When people hear the term palliative care, they often associate it with hospice or end-of-life treatment. But in reality, palliative care is much broader—it’s a specialized type of medical care designed to improve quality of life for people with serious illnesses, regardless of their diagnosis or stage of treatment.

A recent MedlinePlus article features insights from Dora Konomi, M.D., a palliative care specialist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), who breaks down the importance, benefits, and misconceptions surrounding this type of care.

What Is Palliative Care? According to Dr. Konomi, palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving well-being for patients facing serious health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, or neurodegenerative disorders. It is not limited to end-of-life care but can be provided at any stage of an illness, alongside curative treatments.

This type of care is delivered by a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, and other specialists who collaborate with a patient’s existing healthcare providers to ensure physical, emotional, and psychological support. The goal is to enhance quality of life, reduce suffering, and help patients navigate the complexities of their illness.

Common Misconceptions About Palliative Care

One of the biggest challenges in expanding access to palliative care is misunderstanding what it entails. Many people assume that accepting palliative care means giving up on treatment, but that’s not the case. Dr. Konomi emphasizes that palliative care is often integrated with standard medical treatment to help manage pain, nausea, fatigue, depression, and anxiety—allowing patients to continue their care with more comfort and support.

Another misconception is that palliative care is only for the elderly. In reality, patients of all ages can benefit from it, including children with chronic or life-threatening conditions.

How Palliative Care Supports Families

A serious illness doesn’t just affect the patient—it impacts their loved ones as well. Caregivers often experience stress, burnout, and emotional strain, and palliative care teams provide support not only for the patient but also for their family members. This includes guidance on decision-making, coping strategies, and navigating complex medical systems.

Palliative Care vs. MAID: True Dignity in Care

While some argue that Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) offers dignity to those suffering from severe illnesses, palliative care provides a real, compassionate alternative that prioritizes comfort without ending life prematurely. True dignity is found in honoring the patient’s journey, alleviating suffering, and ensuring that individuals receive the best possible care, surrounded by loved ones. Rather than viewing death as the solution to suffering, palliative care ensures that patients experience relief, support, and meaning in their remaining time.

How to Access Palliative Care

If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, you may wonder how to access palliative care. Dr. Konomi recommends asking your primary care doctor or specialist for a referral. Many hospitals and healthcare systems now have dedicated palliative care teams, and services may also be available in outpatient clinics or at home.

Why Palliative Care Matters

Palliative care is about living well despite illness. By focusing on comfort, dignity, and patient-centered care, it helps individuals and families make the most of their time together, while ensuring they receive the best possible medical and emotional support.

If you’d like to learn more, check out the full MedlinePlus article here.