The challenges of caring for a seriously ill child can have tremendous impact on a family's life. Pediatric Palliative Care of the North Shore understands these challenges and is available to help by providing added support to existing services a family is already receiving. One of 10 programs in the state of Massachusetts licensed to offer pediatric palliative care, our program serves 22 cities and towns north of Boston.

What is pediatric palliative care? 

Pediatric palliative care is an active and total approach to care, embracing physical, emotional, and spiritual elements, for children who face a progressive, life-limiting condition and their families. It focuses on quality of life for the child and support for the family during the course of illness. 

How does this service differ from hospice care?

Unique from hospice care services, pediatric palliative care does not require a six-month prognosis and curative treatments can be continued. Families can also continue receiving services such as block nursing, home health assistance, etc. from other providers. 

What you should know about Pediatric Palliative Care of the North Shore:

• Our program is designed to complement care families are already receiving.  Families do not have to give up services from other providers to utilize our services. We work in collaboration with physicians and other providers to help address the unmet needs of the child and family. 
  
• Services are open to any eligible Massachusetts child, age 18 or younger, living with a life-limiting illness and their families. Life-limiting illnesses may include cystic fibrosis, advanced or progressive cancer, severe cerebral palsy, renal failure, progressive neurological disorders or HIV. 
  
• Services are available at no cost through the Department of Public Health Pediatric Palliative Care Program, created by the Massachusetts 2006 Health Care Reform Law.
  
• Our program is staffed by a team with extensive pediatric and palliative care expertise.  The team includes a palliative care physician, skilled pediatric nurses, psychosocial and spiritual counselors, an expressive therapist, and a certified child life specialist. The team works together to provide added assistance with:

-Pain and symptom management

-Patient or sibling counseling  

-Respite care

-Spiritual care

-Social services

-Volunteer support

-Outreach to schools, congregations, and other groups working with children

-Identifying community resources available to families

-Advance care planning

For more information about our program and services, or to make a referral, please call 978-223-9777.