Paediatric Care
ARCH Hospice provides paediatric palliative care services. Prior to 2015, children and their families who wished for hospice care had to travel away from their extended families, friends, and support networks to either Ottawa or Toronto. We felt strongly that this needed to change, allowing children, their families and their loved ones to stay together in a supportive environment.
When paediatric palliative care is requested at ARCH Hospice:
The pediatrician, palliative physician, ARCH Manager of Hospice Services, and ARCH Intake Coordinator will meet with the family to understand how we can best meet the needs of the child and their loved ones, and ensure ARCH is the most appropriate care facility
When ARCH expects to admit a paediatric resident and their family:
We have a Comfort Team in place that will customize the room to best comfort the child, right down to paint colours and décor.
We will purchase necessary items such as care supplies and favourite foods in order to provide a personalized and comfortable experience.
Resources for Paediatric Palliative Care
Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association
Paediatric hospice palliative care guiding principles and norms of practice.
Family resources for children and young people expected to live short lives.
Resources to help Parents and Children Cope With Grief
Talking to Children About Death and Dying*
Talking to children about dying is never easy but that doesn't make it any less important.
*To enlarge font size, hold CTRL and press the "+" key
Suggested readings:
On Children and Death
How children and their parents can and do cope with death; Author: Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
The Bereaved Parents’ Survival Guide
Author: Juliet Cassuto Rothman
A Parent’s Guide to Raising Grieving Children
Rebuilding your family after the death of a loved one; Authors: Phyllis R. Silverman and Madelyn Kelly
Farewell, Grandpa Elephant
What happens when a loved one does?; Authors: Isabel Abedi and Miriam Cordes
Talking with Kids & Teens About Dying and Death
A free online resource to provide guidance to parents on how to support children who are grieving the dying or death of someone in their life.
Suggested readings:
When Dinosaurs Die
A child's guide to understanding death; Authors: Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
After a Death
An activity book for children; Author: The Dougy Center
When Someone Has a Very Serious Illness
Children can learn to cope with loss; Author: Marge Heegaard; to be illustrated by children
When Someone Very Special Dies
Children can learn to cope with grief; Author: Marge Heegaard; to be illustrated by children