Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice Welcomes Lori Lenart, RN, MSN, FNP, as New Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner

January 22, 2025

Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice of Carroll County and Western Maine (VNHCH) is proud to announce the addition of Lori Lenart, RN, MSN, FNP, to our team as our new Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner. Lori brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for supporting individuals and families navigating the complexities of serious and chronic illnesses. Palliative care services are offered at no charge through VNHCH to members of the community.

Lori’s commitment to compassionate care has guided her career journey. “I’ve done many things before landing this, my dream job,” she explains. “I started in research, but it wasn’t the right fit. I transitioned to healthcare, beginning as a home health aide, then a nurse, and eventually earning my Nurse Practitioner degree from Simmons University five years ago. I’ve worked in nursing homes, hospitals, and primary care settings, and all these experiences have led me to my true calling in palliative care.”

In her new role at VNHCH, Lori will work closely with patients and their families to provide symptom management, emotional support, and guidance through challenging health journeys. She describes palliative care as a holistic approach that bridges the gap between primary care and hospice. “It’s for those in-between patients who may not be terminally ill but are facing significant challenges from conditions like end-stage COPD or MS. These individuals often need additional support to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life,” Lori shared.

Lori’s approach is rooted in empathy and understanding. “I get to hear their stories and help them find solutions to their challenges,” she says. “Palliative care is about more than just managing symptoms; it’s about helping people live as well as they can, for as long as they can, with clarity and contentment.”

Lori’s work begins with meeting patients in their homes, where she spends about an hour on the first visit to understand their day-to-day lives, challenges, and goals. Subsequent visits allow her to provide continued support, manage medications, and coordinate care with primary care providers. “It’s not just about the patient,” Lori notes. “Palliative care is for the whole family. It’s about answering questions, easing concerns, and offering guidance for everyone involved.”

Lori is particularly passionate about dispelling the fear surrounding conversations about death and end-of-life care. “Our culture often avoids these topics,” she says. “But approaching this stage of life with a clear understanding and a sense of peace can make all the difference. It’s an honor to be part of that journey.”

Sandy Ruka, Executive Director of VNHCH, emphasizes the importance of Lori’s role: “As healthcare evolves and gaps in care become more apparent, Lori’s expertise and compassionate approach will be invaluable to our community. Her ability to provide wraparound services and personalized care ensures that our patients receive the support they need during critical times in their lives.”

VNHCH’s palliative care program is a free resource for the community, offering support for patients with serious illnesses that may not have a cure but require careful management to improve quality of life. Whether addressing chronic pain, simplifying medication regimens, or providing emotional support, Lori is dedicated to helping patients and their families navigate these challenges with dignity and respect.

To learn more about our palliative care services or to schedule a consultation, please contact Visiting Nurse Home Care and Hospice at 603-305-7156 or visit www.VNHCH.org.