Frequently Asked Questions
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What is pediatric palliative care versus hospice care?
Palliative care seeks to prevent or relieve physical and emotional distress of a serious illness, with the goal of improving quality of life while still seeking curative treatments. Palliative care can be provided at any point in the child’s illness.
Hospice care begins when a child has a life expectancy of six months or less and has discontinued aggressive curative treatment. Care focuses on preparing the child and their family for death and supporting their needs through the final stages of life.
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Who is eligible to participate in this program?
Children from birth to age 21 with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions can be referred to Community PedsCare® by their physician, health care professional, clergy, parent/family member or legal guardian. To refer a child, or if you or someone you know would like more information about the Community PedsCare® program, please contact 904.407.6505 or email CommunityPedsCare@CommunityHospice.com.
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Who pays for Community PedsCare program services?
Medicaid or private insurance will often cover hospice care and some palliative services. However, children are never denied access because of inability to pay.
Charitable gifts to Community Hospice & Palliative Care Foundation provide vital funding for this care. The generosity of the local community and Community Hospice & Palliative Care enable Community PedsCare® to provide seamless care from the outpatient to inpatient setting when and where families need it most.
