Palliative Nursing in Home Health Care Across the Lifespan

Primary palliative nursing in home health care (HHC) can be delivered to medically complex patients across the lifespan. Primary palliative nursing provides patient- and family-centered care for serious illness by alleviating the stress and symptoms of illness; coordinating care; and supporting the social, cultural, and psychological aspects of care. In this article, two case scenarios of patients in different phases of life serve as examples of primary palliative nursing in HHC. Key elements and challenges of delivering primary palliative nursing care in HHC are also highlighted.