NORTH CONWAY, New Hampshire—Patients facing serious or complex illness will almost certainly encounter tests, treatments and appointments. According to Dr. Laura Director, a MaineHealth palliative care provider who sees patients at MaineHealth Memorial Hospital, it’s also about comfort, clarity and quality of life.
“We’re the team that works alongside other providers to help manage the stress and symptoms that come with serious illness.”
For families and caregivers, palliative care provides an additional layer of support and can make a meaningful difference. Palliative care providers help patients and families understand their treatment and pain management options, clarify their goals and make informed decisions about their care. Care plans are rooted in conversations about what matters most to the patient, such as maintaining independence, reducing hospital visits or simply feeling comfortable at home.
Dr. Lauren Desmarais, Associate Medical Director of Palliative Care in MaineHealth’s Mountain Region, which also includes MaineHealth Stephens Hospital and MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Maine, says a patient's voice can easily get lost, especially in busy medical settings.
“Palliative care is here to make sure their voice is heard. We know clinicians don’t always have time for those bigger conversations—but that’s where palliative care steps in, because those are often the most important ones.”
Despite its growing importance, palliative care is often misunderstood, particularly when it comes to its relationship with hospice care. Director explains that hospice care is a specialized form of palliative care, focused on comfort and quality of life at the end of life when treatment goals shift away from cure. More broadly, palliative care can be introduced at any stage of a serious illness and may continue for months or even years alongside curative treatment.
Dr. Desmarais agrees, adding, "Palliative care and hospice care are both under the same umbrella.”
Studies show that patients receiving palliative care experience improved quality of life, fewer hospitalizations and greater confidence in their care plans, Dr. Director notes. Patients receiving palliative support often report improved quality of life and greater satisfaction with their care. Palliative care can often reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency visits by ensuring care is better coordinated and aligned with patient goals.
Recognizing these benefits, both Director and Desmarais say MaineHealth Memorial Hospital continues to strengthen its commitment to this model of care. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital’s primary care practice has long incorporated palliative principles into everyday care. The addition of a provider with specialized training in palliative care further enhances these efforts. This added expertise allows for more focused support in managing complex symptoms, facilitating difficult conversations and guiding patients through challenging decisions.
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About MaineHealth Memorial Hospital
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital serving the Mount Washington Valley of northern New Hampshire and western Maine. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital has earned a reputation among local residents and visitors for providing quality, compassionate and personalized care to its patients.
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital includes a robust array of health care services including primary and specialty care services and therapies, emergency care, a birthing center and surgical services. Its care team of 525 includes physicians and advance practice providers who are among the more than 2,000 providers who are part of the MaineHealth Medical Group. Memorial patients have access to onsite care in oncology, cardiology, vascular and pulmonary medicine. MaineHealth Memorial Hospital also partners with several local organizations to provide outreach and educational services supporting the health of our patients and community.
MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America.” As part of the MaineHealth family, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital is able to offer patients a comprehensive network of care that includes world-class specialists, a Level 1 Trauma medical center, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services.