While it is understandably difficult to think about children and teens being diagnosed with life-limiting illnesses, young people and their families can benefit from the compassionate and professional hospice services offered by Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.
Caring for a sick child or teen can be very costly, emotionally draining and time-consuming, and not all hospices accept children as patients. Hospice Care of the Lowcountry is qualified to serve even the youngest of patients, and we embrace our children with a special kind of care and compassion that involves close monitoring and attention to pain symptoms.
Parents, siblings and other family members – in addition to the primary physician – are an integral part of our care plan. Our chaplains, social workers, bereavement counselors and volunteers also work with the nursing team to provide additional support and comfort.
Because children and teens typically experience grief differently than adults, Hospice Care offers the “Kids Path” program, as well as bereavement counseling that is specifically geared toward younger individuals. Please see our Counseling page for information regarding support programs and our unique “Camp TLC, Bereavement Day Camp”.
“When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”
– Kahlil Gibran
In April of 2009, we expanded our Palliative Home Health Care and Hospice Care to children. We have provided services to children since 1982, but are proud to announce our new professional affiliation with the national “Kids Path” organization. Hospice Care of the Lowcountry is one of only two hospices in the state of South Carolina to offer this unique and critical program.
About the Program
All children who are ill deserve special care and support. Kids Path is a unique program for children and families that is offered by hospices in North and South Carolina. Services include care for children with progressive, potentially life-threatening illnesses from the time of diagnosis through the course of the illness. Physical, emotional, social and spiritual support, counseling and care is provided with a goal of enhancing the quality of life and attempting to achieve some sense of normalcy for children, teens and those who share their lives.
The Kids Path program offers three levels of care:
GRIEF SERVICES: To meet the unique needs of children and their families by offering information, support and a safe place to express feelings. Counseling is offered through Individual or Group Support, In-School Education and Activities like Camp TLC or Painting Pottery.
HOME HEALTH CARE: Intermittent skilled nursing visits at home, per doctor’s orders, for children with serious life-threatening medical condition with a poor prognosis – Goal directed care
HOSPICE: For children with a terminal diagnosis and life expectancy of six months or less, per doctor’s certification – End of life care
For additional information, or to make a referral for Kids Path, please call: 843.706.2296