What is Pediatric Hospice Care?

Hospice care is often associated with end-of-life care for elderly individuals, but it can also be an important resource for children facing terminal illnesses. Pediatric hospice care is designed to provide compassionate support to children and their families during the end stages of a life-limiting illness.

Hospice care for children focuses on enhancing the quality of life of children who have a serious illness and who are not expected to live for an extended period of time. This type of care involves a team of professionals who work together to provide medical, emotional, and spiritual support to both the child and the family. The goal of pediatric hospice care, or children's hospice, is to help children live as comfortably and fully as possible in the time they have left, while also providing support to the family during this difficult time.

Hospice services are provided wherever the patient is, whether at home or in the hospital, especially in pediatric cases. This unique approach allows families to focus on their child's needs while still receiving support for the whole family. The pediatric hospice team is available around the clock by phone to offer advice and assistance. If there's an urgent medical issue, a team member can quickly come to help.

Who Qualifies for Pediatric Hospice Care?

Pediatric hospice care is available to children who have a life-limiting illness or condition, which is defined as an illness that is expected to shorten a child's life span significantly. This may include conditions such as cancer, heart disease, cystic fibrosis, or other serious illnesses. The child must also be under the age of 18 to qualify for pediatric hospice care.

Pediatric hospice care becomes appropriate when a child's illness has progressed to the point where treatment options are limited, and curative treatments are no longer viable. The focus of children's hospice care is on providing comfort, pain management, and emotional support to both the child and the family during this challenging time.

Pediatric Hospice Care Team

Pediatric hospice care involves a team of professionals who work together to provide care and support to the child and family. This team typically includes a pediatrician, nurse, social worker, chaplain, and trained hospice care volunteers. The team is led by a hospice physician who specializes in palliative care.

The hospice team works closely with the child's primary care provider, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to develop a plan of care that is tailored to the child's unique needs and goals. The team also provides emotional support and counseling to the child and family, as well as practical assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.

The Role of the Pediatric Hospice Nurse

The hospice nurse plays a critical role in pediatric hospice care. The nurse provides expert medical care and symptom management to the child, while also offering emotional support to the family. The hospice nurse works closely with the child's primary care provider and specialists to ensure that the child's medical needs are met.

The hospice nurse is responsible for managing pain and other symptoms associated with the child's illness, such as nausea, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. The nurse also provides education and guidance to the family on how to care for the child at home, including administering medication and managing medical equipment.

Emotional Support for the Child and Family

Pediatric hospice care places a strong emphasis on emotional support for both the child and family. The hospice team provides counseling and emotional support to the child and family throughout the hospice experience. This may include individual counseling, support groups, and other services.

Hospice care also provides respite care to give families a break from the demands of caring for a seriously ill child. Respite care may be provided in a hospice facility or in the child's home, and allows parents and other caregivers to take time for themselves.

Grief Support

After the child passes away, hospice care continues to provide support to the family. Grief support services may include counseling, support groups, and other resources to help families cope with the loss of their child.

Pediatric hospice care provides compassionate support to children and families facing a life-limiting illness. Hospice care is designed to enhance the quality of life of the child, while also providing emotional and practical support to the family. It is a multidisciplinary approach to care that addresses the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the child and family.