Rainbow Community Care Releases Palliative Care Educational Video

JEFFERSON, WI – As part of its ongoing mission to enrich lives throughout aging, illness, and loss, Rainbow Community Care has released a new eight-minute educational film titled "A Guide to Palliative Care for Patients and Families." The documentary features Nurse Practitioner Shauna Lambrecht and serves as a roadmap for individuals and families navigating the complexities of serious illness.

The film addresses a critical gap in public health literacy: the distinction between palliative care and hospice. While both prioritize comfort and quality of life, the video highlights that palliative care can be provided at any stage of illness—even while a patient is pursuing curative or life-prolonging treatments. By contrast, hospice is for people who are nearing end of life and no longer seeking a cure.

"Palliative care is about helping people live well and worry less as they encounter new challenges associated with aging, advancing chronic disease, and treatments,” said Lambrecht. "It doesn’t replace a patient’s primary doctor or specialists, instead it adds an extra layer of support, including a nurse practitioner, nurse navigator, social worker, and if needed a chaplain and dietitian—to manage symptoms, reduce burdens, and help plan for what lies ahead."

Key insights from the documentary include:

• Care Where You Live: Palliative care support is delivered in the patient’s home, assisted living, or a skilled nursing facility.
• Holistic Support: Beyond physical symptoms, the team manages emotional and spiritual needs, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s personal values.
• 24/7 Peace of Mind: Rainbow provides around the clock access to triage nurses, helping families avoid unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
• Accessibility: The video clarifies that palliative care is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance providers.

The documentary is designed as a resource for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals alike and aims to dispel common myths that often prevent patients from accessing valuable services. By fostering early conversations about goals of care and advance directives, Rainbow Community Care aims to reduce the anxiety often associated with aging and illness.

Watch the Video: Produced by Rainbow’s Director of Business Development Michael Bernhagen and filmed by videographer Kurt Kuss, the documentary is available for public viewing on YouTube at https://bit.ly/RainbowPC or through the Rainbow Community Care website.