Pediatric Care
Cure to Comfort
Finding out there is no longer hope of cure for a child illness is devastating, leaving families with very hard decisions.
Some families may wish to continue to seek curative care, while others may opt for combing curative and comfort care. We focus on the unique needs of each child. Typically, hospice patients must discontinue curative care, but there are many times you will have more care options for children. In some cases, curative care simultaneous with comfort care is permitted.
There is no wrong decision. The care team will help you establish a care plan to fit the patient and family’s specific goals and desires.
Comfort care centers on quality of life. Medicines and therapies control pain and other symptoms of the disease. Treatments include caring for your child’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.
Your Care Team
Your child’s care team is comprised of a medical director, hospice physician, pediatric registered nurse, certified nursing assistants, spiritual care counselors, social workers, pharmacists, therapists and volunteers. A care team will guide patients and families through the stages of an illness. They also work closely with your child's primary treating physician or specialty physician. The team works together to meet the goals of the patient and family. Circle of Life Hospice is honored to have Dr. Barry Frank, Retired Pediatrician, as part of your care team as a pediatric advisor.
Maintaining Quality of Life Near the End of Life
Having a seriously ill child may make you feel powerless. There are ways to help you take back control and take steps to improve your child’s quality of life — how they feel emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually on a daily basis. It is important to live every day to the fullest, to best as we can facilitate on behalf of your child. Comfort care is provided in your home, which also lends to better quality of life for the patient.
Caring for Yourself While Being a Caregiver for Your Child
While caring for a seriously ill child it is easy to lose focus of your own needs. Be sure to take time to care for yourself. Caring for yourself is not a selfish act. It is necessary and will help give you the strength to go on. It is important to remain healthy for yourself and for your family.
Getting Help With Grief After Bereavement or Loss
Our bereavement team will be with you during and after your loss. Circle of Life Hospice will be there for you and your family for as long as you need. Whether it be grief support in a group setting or one-on-one counselling with our social work team or spiritual care counselors, these are free services and you will never be charged to lean on us for support.