November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, a time to recognize the vital role these services play in improving quality of life for individuals and families navigating serious illnesses, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). At the Northwest Kidney Council, we celebrate the providers, caregivers, and advocates who make compassionate care accessible, while continuing our efforts to expand awareness and access for the kidney community.
Palliative care, often misunderstood as solely end-of-life care, supports patients at any stage of a serious illness. It focuses on relieving symptoms, providing emotional support, and helping patients and families make informed healthcare decisions. This person-centered approach is critical for CKD patients managing the complexities of their disease.
Last year, we hosted a “Council Conversation” on palliative care, featuring Dr. Amaka Eneanya, a leading expert in nephrology and palliative care. Dr. Eneanya emphasized the importance of integrating palliative care early in the kidney care journey, helping to dispel myths and highlight how these services support not just patients but also families and care teams. This conversation brought together providers, patients, and regional partners to discuss how expanding access to palliative care can significantly improve outcomes. You can watch the full recording here.
Despite the clear benefits, access to palliative and hospice care remains a challenge due to provider shortages, coverage limitations, and systemic inequities. Addressing these barriers through advocacy and policy is essential to ensuring kidney patients receive the comprehensive care they deserve.
This National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting patients, families, and caregivers by promoting awareness, breaking down barriers, and working toward a future where kidney patients have access to the care they need at every stage of their journey.
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