The Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care
Not sure how pediatric palliative care differs from hospice care? Learn how the two services work – and how they can support your child and family at different stages.
See the Difference
Pediatric Palliative Care
OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois provides compassionate pediatric palliative care focused on easing your child’s pain, reducing stress and bringing comfort to your entire family. You’ll be supported by a team that listens, cares and stands by your side through every stage of your child’s care.
What is pediatric palliative care?
Pediatric palliative care focuses on improving your child’s quality of life when they have serious or complex conditions. The goal of palliative care is to help manage pain and symptoms, coordinate care and support you and your child’s emotional and spiritual needs.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
At your first visit, our pediatric palliative care team will take time to get to know your child and your family.
We’ll listen closely, discuss your goals and concerns, and work together to build a care plan that helps ease your child’s symptoms and supports your family’s physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
You’ll find more than a care plan. You’ll have people in your corner.
Meet Your Care Team
Your compassionate team includes doctors, advanced practices nurses, a nurse coordinator and counselors – all with special training in children’s palliative care. We collaborate with your child’s other providers to make sure care is seamless and centered on your child’s comfort and your family’s needs.
See Our ProvidersConditions We Support
Our palliative care program serves children living with:
- Any illness causing significant symptoms or stress
- Birth complications or prematurity
- Cancer or blood disorders
- Genetic or neurological conditions
- Serious heart, lung, kidney or liver disease
Services We Provide
OSF Children’s Hospital palliative care services include:
- Decision-making guidance
- Emotional and spiritual support
- End-of-life and bereavement support, if needed
- Help coordinating complex care
- Pain and symptom relief
- Palliative care treatment in hospital or in an outpatient setting, like doctor’s offices
Why Choose Us for Your Child’s Care
You don’t have to go through this alone. Our pediatric palliative care program gives your family:
- A team that listens and understands
- Expertise in palliative care therapy for kids
- Hope, comfort and dignity rooted in our Mission to serve with the greatest care and love
- Seamless care across hospital, home and specialists
- Support at every stage of your child’s journey, including inpatient mental and emotional support
Working With Your Child’s Other Doctors
We partner with your child’s primary doctors, specialists and therapists to make sure every part of your care plan is aligned.
This collaboration means better communication, less stress and more time focused on what matters most: your child’s comfort, healing and joy.
Ask for a Referral
Talk to your child’s primary care provider about a referral to our pediatric palliative care program. The earlier you get support, the better we can help you manage your child's illness, treat symptoms, reduce stress and improve quality of life.
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