Pediatric palliative care: Bringing comfort during challenging times

We also attend to your entire family’s physical, psychological and spiritual needs. These six core activities define our care model:

• Communicating with the family

• Controlling symptoms

• Managing complications caused by the disease or its treatment

• Planning for advanced care

• Providing psychosocial care for the child and family

• Tending to the dying, if appropriate

Any child living with a serious, life-threatening or life-limiting illness can benefit from palliative care services. These services are not only for children nearing the end of life. Families can use our services from their child’s diagnosis through their completed treatment.

Each child is unique, and we tailor our palliative care services to meet their specific needs. Our experts work with your child’s entire care team to minimize suffering and preserve your child’s ability to function normally.

There’s no single playbook for treating a seriously ill child. We work closely with your child’s care team to understand the diagnosis.

We recognize the specific challenges your child faces. Then, we make a plan so your child can live as normally as possible.

We also focus on the needs of your family members. It’s important to know that neither you nor your child is alone during this difficult time. From psychosocial help to spiritual care services, we meet your entire family’s needs.

Effective palliative care takes a team effort. Our experts partner with your whole family.

Together we make your child as comfortable as possible before, during and after their medical treatment. Our team consists of several specialists, such as:

• Advanced practice nurses

• Chaplains

• Child life specialists

• Health psychologists

• Pharmacists

• Physicians

• Social workers

Pediatric palliative care services are available at American Family Children's Hospital for children of all ages and their families. Please talk to your provider to make arrangements.

About palliative care

Learn how the palliative care process benefits your child.

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