OUR SERVICES
Adult and Pediatric Home Hospice Care Services
Notre Dame Hospice Care provides comfort, compassion, companionship, and support to patients nearing the end of life and their family members when a treatment or cure for an underlying disease is no longer available. Services are delivered by a dedicated team of health care professionals who focus on addressing physical, mental, social and spiritual needs to improve quality of life.
What Is Pediatric Hospice Care?
When a child has a life-limiting or terminal illness, home Hospice Care can enhance quality of life; ease pain; manage symptoms; and provide physical, emotional and spiritual support.
Featuring a range of compassionate and caring professionals, Pediatric Hospice Care, or Children’s Hospice Care, provides parents and children with the comprehensive care needed to navigate the end-of-life journey at home while ensuring the child’s and family’s wishes are met.
Notre Dame Hospice is the sole provider of Pediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Services in Central Massachusetts.
Our Approach to Care and Pediatric Hospice
Notre Dame Hospice’s pediatric services are much like our adult Hospice services, with some key differences to enhance the care of pediatric patients. Some of the many services we provide include:
- Access to pediatric-trained physicians, nurses, social workers, spiritual care coordinators, nurse aides, volunteers, massage therapists, music therapists, and bereavement coordinators
- Support in living with a terminal diagnosis
- Assistance with navigating the complexities of end-of-life decisions
- Medications and medical equipment for symptom management and pain relief
- Spiritual and grief counseling for you and your family members
- Care planning and coordination
Our team members offer on-call availability 24 hours a day to provide comfort and peace of mind to the patient and their family.
For more information or to learn about our other available resources, view our services page.
Concurrent Care May Be Available
Based on insurance, there may be options available for select families to receive curative treatment alongside Hospice Care.
Through the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, State Medicaid programs are required to make Hospice services available to children under the age of 21 without foregoing curative treatments or any other medically necessary services for which the child is eligible.
This allows families comprehensive support aimed at prolonging life, maintaining a certain level of physical, emotional and spiritual comfort, and enhancing the quality of life for children with a terminal illness, all while they continue exploring treatment options.
Those who are under the age of 21 and have a life-limiting or terminal illness might be eligible for concurrent care through their insurance company. Private insurances are not obligated to provide concurrent care, so be sure to speak to a professional prior to seeking concurrent care.
These concurrent care benefits are only available through MassHealth and are not specific to Notre Dame or applicable to all insurances. Be sure to call your insurance provider to discuss what benefits may be available to you.
Family Support and Education
Notre Dame Hospice understands this is a difficult time for families. We are here to provide education, grief counseling, and various other forms of support to help guide you through this journey.
Reach out to a member of our team for more assistance or information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Hospice
Children and their families seeking a blended package of curative and Palliative services, as well as Hospice Services, may be allowed to receive both depending on their insurance and eligibility.
Pediatric Hospice Care can be provided for as long as the child meets eligibility criteria. This typically includes having a life-limiting or terminal illness with a prognosis of six months or less. This can also vary depending on the child’s condition and needs.
Our team members, social workers and specially trained volunteers provide companionship and support during this time. Bereavement specialists are also available for families after a loss.
The cost of Pediatric Hospice Care is typically covered by Medicaid, private insurance or charitable organizations. Check with your insurance provider to evaluate what services are covered, what out-of-pocket expenses may include, and what other options may be available for you and your family.
Yes, you can change your mind. Our team is here to help meet the needs of your child and your family. We will adjust to your wishes and preferences.
Families interested in Pediatric Hospice Care can contact our team to inquire about services and schedule a consultation. Additionally, families can consult their child’s health care provider for a referral.
