When Healing Means More Than Medicine: The Power of Palliative Care

Often mistaken for end-of-life care, palliative care works alongside curative treatments to address physical discomfort, emotional stress, and care coordination. "It's not about transitioning to death," says Dr. Jozwiak, a palliative specialist with Carelon. "It's about advocacy and giving control back to the patient."

That was the experience of Erin, a patient living with aplastic anemia and ovarian cancer. Unfamiliar with palliative care at first, she found comfort in the holistic support offered by her nurse practitioner, Jenni. Through home visits, Jenni built a trusting relationship, coordinated care across providers, and connected Erin with mental health support through a social worker.

Erin's husband, Dale, also benefited. Recognized as part of the care team, he found the emotional support empowering.

As more families face the challenges of complex illness, palliative care stands out as a vital, relationship-centered approach that brings humanity and healing back to health care.