Pediatric Palliative Care Programs offer specialized medical support for children and adolescents facing serious illnesses or life-limiting conditions. At Baystate Children’s Hospital, our pediatric palliative care program is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for each young patient from the moment of diagnosis and throughout their care journey. We provide comprehensive psychological, social, and spiritual support to the children, their families, and caregivers, helping them navigate complex care decisions and plans with compassion and expertise.
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Our team of pediatric palliative care specialists collaborates closely with your child’s existing healthcare providers to offer an extra layer of personalized support. Importantly, palliative care can be provided alongside curative, life-extending, and symptom-focused treatments, ensuring holistic care. Baystate Health is a proud member of the State of Massachusetts Pediatric Palliative Care Network (PPCN), demonstrating our commitment to providing exceptional pediatric palliative care. We offer both inpatient and outpatient care options to best meet the needs of your family.
Comprehensive Pediatric Palliative Care Services Tailored to Your Child
Baystate Pediatric Palliative Care services are provided without charge to children and young adults up to 22 years old. We accept referrals from various sources, including hospitals, pediatricians, specialized pediatric practitioners, and family members themselves, ensuring accessibility for all who need our support. Our wide range of pediatric palliative care services includes:
- Expert Case Management: Navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming. Our case managers provide expert guidance and coordination to streamline care and access resources.
- Medical Social Services and Resources: Our compassionate social workers offer emotional support, counseling, and connect families with essential community resources and support networks.
- Spiritual Care Counseling: We recognize the importance of spiritual well-being and offer counseling to address spiritual needs and provide comfort during challenging times, respecting all faith traditions and beliefs.
- Child Life Specialists: Our Child Life Specialists are experts in child development and use play, education, and therapeutic activities to help children cope with illness, hospitalization, and medical procedures, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being.
- Effective Pain and Symptom Management: Controlling pain and managing distressing symptoms are central to palliative care. Our team utilizes a range of strategies to enhance comfort and improve quality of life, tailored to each child’s specific needs.
- Respite Care for Caregivers: Caring for a seriously ill child can be physically and emotionally demanding. Respite care provides temporary breaks for caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge, knowing their child is in safe and caring hands.
- Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can offer physical and emotional relief, reducing muscle tension, pain, and anxiety, promoting relaxation and well-being.
- Music Therapy: Music therapy utilizes the power of music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. It can help children express themselves, reduce pain and anxiety, and improve mood and quality of life.
- Dedicated Volunteer Support: Trained volunteers provide valuable support to families, offering companionship, practical assistance, and a listening ear, enhancing the overall care experience.
Outpatient Pediatric Palliative Care: Enhancing Quality of Life at Home
Our outpatient pediatric palliative care services are designed to improve the quality of life for patients and their families within the comfort of their community. We offer a variety of services, including music therapy, child life specialists, and spiritual care counseling, delivered in a setting that is most convenient for the family. Our team collaborates closely with local agencies and resources to strengthen the support network available to each patient and family. Furthermore, we actively advocate for children’s educational needs, working with schools to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs), health plans, early intervention services, and other crucial school-based supports to ensure children receive the necessary assistance in their educational environments.
Our outpatient office is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. You can reach us at:
280 Chestnut Street Springfield, MA 01104 Phone: 413-798-6411 Fax: 888-207-3187
Inpatient Pediatric Palliative Care: Support During Hospitalization
Our inpatient pediatric palliative care services provide essential support to children and their families facing new diagnoses, injuries, or hospitalizations that may be life-altering or life-limiting. We extend our compassionate care to prenatal and NICU patients and their families, offering medical and emotional support during these critical times. This includes providing guidance on complex care plans and medical options, as well as nurturing emotional connection and preparedness through meaningful experiences, ensuring families feel supported and informed every step of the way.
How to Make a Referral to Pediatric Palliative Care Programs
Referrals to our pediatric palliative care programs are welcomed from any member of a child’s care team, including:
- Parents or Caregivers: Parents and caregivers know their child best and are vital members of the care team.
- Physicians: Your child’s pediatrician or specialist can initiate a referral.
- Department of Public Health Care Coordinators: Public health professionals are valuable partners in connecting families with needed services.
- Hospitals or any member of the health care team: Nurses, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals can make referrals.
- Early Intervention Programs: Early intervention providers working with young children can identify and refer families who may benefit from palliative care.
- Schools: School nurses, counselors, or special education staff can initiate referrals.
- Community Agencies: Various community organizations that support children and families can also make referrals.
For more detailed information or to make a referral, please do not hesitate to call us or send an email:
413-798-6411 [email protected]
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