Pediatric Palliative and Supportive Care
Pediatric Palliative and Supportive Care
Easing Your Child’s Journey
Pediatric palliative and supportive care is specialized medical care for infants, children and adolescents living with a serious illness (chronic or life-limiting). The aim of care is to ease symptoms associated with illness, facilitate communication between the family and the health care team, and assist with navigation and coordination of care.
Our team will:
- Work with your medical team to address your child's individual needs and care goals
- Help your child and family understand the disease course
- Provide recommendations and co-management of pain and symptoms impacting quality of life
- Provide additional resources for physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs
- Assist with decision making and care planning, helping to align your values with your child's medical care
- Provide emotional support for the child and family related to coping with illness and grief
Palliative care can begin at any age and any stage of illness. It can be provided along with curative treatment and is based on need, not prognosis. It is best to start palliative care as early as possible to benefit both your child and your family.
Talk with your child’s provider about a referral or call us at (208) 381-7095 to learn more about our services.
Related Location
Clinic
St. Luke's Children's Palliative and Supportive Care: Boise
Clinic
More About Pediatric Palliative and Supportive Care
Brought to you by Rays for Rare
We are grateful to the Rays for Rare organization for creating and sharing this video about pediatric palliative and supportive care at St. Luke's Children's. Rays for Rare was founded by Megan, who's son Corwyn was cared for by our team.
Megan also serves as a member of our parent mentor program, supporting families navigating similar circumstances.
Related Programs and Resources
Pediatric Music Therapy
Music therapy may lower anxiety and help take your child’s mind off treatment and pain. It may also help your child express fear and anger, and give him or her the confidence to cope with their experience.
Parent Mentor Program
Caring for a child with complex medical needs can be complicated and overwhelming. Support from someone familiar with these challenges can make all the difference.
Trusted Resources
We recommend checking out the Courageous Parents Network and Get Palliative Care, two organizations with additional resources for children and families with complex medical needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Palliative Care Patient Stories
Patient Stories An organ donor's story: Kain Unzicker defied the odds, gave one final 'thoughtful' gift
Just a teenager, Kain Unzicker carried with him an inconceivable knowledge for half his young life — he was going to die young.rs old, the seizures that would be so strong that they would dislocate his shoulders or hips became too rapid for Kain’s brain to overcome. He died on Oct. 27, 2022. Kain’s kidneys, heart and lungs were donated to patients around the West in need of a transplant.
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