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Hospice Care for Dying Children

Hospice is a program that allows people to reach the end of their lives in an environment that is comfortable for them. Many people do not want to die at the hospital, so hospice allows them to die in the comfort of their own homes. Children are also clients or hospice. Hospice care for dying children is an important part of the life process of these children, as well as the healing and grief process of their family.

  1. Who Needs Children's Hospice

    • Children who are dying are eligible for Children's Hospice. The majority of the time, hospice is intended for children who have been given a life sentence. These are children who have either stopped treatment for their sickness or who are continuing treatment but whose doctors have said they are going to die. Children's hospice serves children dying from all sorts of diseases, such as infections, cancers, genetic or other types of diseases, or disabilities that will cause death. Any child who has been sent home to die, or who is living at home and does not have a positive prognosis can benefit from children's hospice.

    What Care Is Given

    • For the children in the hospice program, several types of care is given. Hospice workers bring in equipment to help make children comfortable, such as beds and chairs that are specially designed for their condition. Hospice workers administer medications as needed, do any therapies that are intended to make the children more comfortable, and give pain medications as needed or instructed by doctors. Hospice workers also spend time talking with the children about the dying process, and speaking to and counseling the parents and family members of the children. Hospice workers help organize schedules so that the child doesn't have to be alone, and might provide additional services, or access to companies who do, such as housecleaning and cooking, so that parents can concentrate on their children. Hospice workers are there to make the transition to death as smooth as possible for the child and the family.

    Impact on Children

    • Children who have been sent home with no hope for recovery are usually aware that they are going to die. Children who are in hospice are usually calmer, and receive the care and counseling that they might need in order to feel peaceful and secure. Children are comforted by being in familiar surroundings, with their own bedding, stuffed animals, toys and family near to them. Many children who go into children's hospice come to terms with their death better than children who stay in the hospital.

    Impact on Parents

    • Parents have support in the form of hospice workers. The workers and nurses can administer drugs and do the necessary therapies so that parents can concentrate on spending time with and talking to their children. Hospice workers are there all around the clock to answer any questions, address any concerns, and intervene medically if needed. Parents feel more at ease, and are able to get the counseling and support that they need to get during this difficult time.

    Considerations

    • Different hospice organizations will provide different services, so consider this when making your choice. Most insurance plans cover hospice care.

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