Care For Children
Answers To Your Questions
Q. Who’s eligible for the pediatric hospice or palliative care program?
A. Children ages birth to 21 who have a life-limiting illness or condition may be admitted into the program. Some may not be expected to reach adulthood. Others may still be seeking a cure. Some children may be in our program for many years. Hope’s Friends cares for children experiencing such conditions as:
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Metabolic or genetic diseases
- End-stage cancers
- Severe neuromuscular diseases
- Cardiac defects
- Severe congenital anomalies
- HIV/AIDS
- Multi-system disorders
Q. What we can do for your child?
A. Our program strives to:
- Alleviate pain and other symptoms of illness that cause discomfort or distress
- Provide teaching tips and support for families to facilitate the provision of care at home (when desired).
- Provide assistance with financial resources
- Provide and deliver medical equipment, supplies and medications
- Provide integrative therapies (art, massage, music, therapy dogs and Reiki)
- Provide nutritional counseling and management of tube feedings
Q. Why should I choose Hope’s Friends?
A. Hope’s Friends pediatric program is the largest provider of pediatric hospice and palliative care in the State of Illinois. Hospice & Palliative Care of Northeastern Illinois is one of the only nonprofit hospices in northern Illinois to offer a comprehensive pediatric care program. Its palliative care program offered to medically fragile children who live in a skilled nursing facility is among the first of its kind in the country and has received national recognition.
Q. When should I make the decision to get my child on hospice or palliative care?
A. If your child has an advanced or life-limiting illness, and comfort, symptom management or quality-of-life issues are of concern, give us a call. It’s never too soon to learn about your options. It’s never too soon to get information, and anyone can refer patients to HPNI—you, a family member, a friend, or a physician. Simply call our Care Coordination Team to ask questions, set up an appointment or take a tour. You can also inquire about our services through our online contact form.
Q. How do we pay for this care?
A. The cost for services is covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid. For patients in need of financial assistance, the Hospice Foundation of Northeastern Illinois will cover the cost of care. No one is turned away because of inability to pay.
