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The Pediatric Hospice team includes physicians, nurses, social workers, clergy, and highly-trained volunteers who work closely with the family. The medical director advises the team and works with the physicians. All of the team members have special training and have chosen to work with children facing death and the families of these children. The physicians, nurses, and medical director have extensive pediatric experience.
The team develops a plan to help families care for the child, and provides practical and emotional support fo the family. Sometimes that means going ot the grocery store or running errands. Other times, it means listening, sharing memories of happy times, or simply talking about the anticipated loss. All too often, friends and loved ones tend to stay away because they simply don't know what to say. When further treatment cannot help, perhaps Hospice care can.
The life expectancy of a hospice patient can be months, weeks, or days. The child's doctor makes this diagnosis. When the family chooses to care for the child at home, the Hospice team works closely with the family and physician. If there are circumstances that prevent home hospice care, an admission to the Rod Fasone Pediatric Hospice may be appropriate. This facility, at the St. Vincent Pediatric Rehabilitation Center, offers many of the comforts of home, including a complete kitchen and family bath, as well as a chapel, resource center, courtyard, and walking paths. Patients may receive visits from family and friends 24 hours a day, and children and pets are welcome guests. |
