We offer quality supportive care for children with a life-threatening illness and provide a sustainable system of support for families throughout the child’s illness and beyond.
When Palliative Care is Right for Your Child
Palliative Care services are available to children from birth to 18 years of age and their families. We care for children from the time of diagnosis, when there is hope for a cure, if a cure is not possible and through end of life.
We help families understand their treatment options and customize services to keep the special needs of your family and child in mind. We will work with you to help manage the symptoms of your child’s illness, with a focus on providing comfort and living life as fully as possible.
Palliative Care Services
- Pain and symptom management
- Help with advance care planning
- Psychosocial support
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
Palliative and hospice care are care options for persons with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses that emphasize comfort and quality of life. Palliative care offers pain and symptom management for anyone with a serious illness, regardless of life expectancy, and can be provided along with curative care at the same time. Hospice care is an option when you have decided not to seek curative care and have a life expectancy of six months or less. Learn more about
Hospice Care at CVHHH here.
What are the benefits of palliative care?
Palliative care can help and support in making difficult health care choices. Your family’s wishes and goals are the focus of the care, and there is support given to your entire family to cope with the illness.
Who provides these services?
Depending on your specific needs, a team of skilled professionals may consist of:
- Registered nurses
- Home health providers
- Social workers
- Licensed Nursing Assistant
When are these services available?
We are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with day and evening visits scheduled and on-call services at night.
How do I access these services?
A patient or family member can request home health care. However, Medicare, Medicaid and private insurances require a physician’s order for certified home health. If your physician agrees you would benefit from home health, he/she will make a referral to a certified home health agency and will authorize a treatment plan, commonly called a plan of care. If you have any questions about palliative care services, please contact Derek Kouwenhoven, RN, Director of Clinical Services, by using the contact box in the upper-right corner of this page.
Have questions about palliative care?
Call Karen Wright, MSW, Interim Hospice Manager, or use the contact form to the upper right.
802-224-2240
