Gilchrist Kids

Gilchrist Kids aims to help children “live well” during their last weeks and days and to provide their loved ones with the support they need during their most difficult time. By providing relief from physical, emotional, social, and spiritual suffering, we enhance the quality of life for seriously ill children and their families.

Our pediatric hospice program cares for infants, children, and teens with life-limiting illnesses or injuries and is focused on

palliative (comfort oriented) care,
pain management,
symptom control
and emotional support.

In addition to enhancing the child’s care, Gilchrist Kids provides grief support and counseling to surviving friends and family.

Through the care and attention of an interdisciplinary team of professionals – including pediatric physicians, nurses, hospice aides, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors, and trained volunteers, care is provided wherever the child lives,

whether at home,
in a hospital,
in a residential facility,
and even in a neonatal or pediatric intensive care.

Gilchrist Kids should be initiated as soon as it is recognized that your child has a life limiting illness and the physician has determined the need for comfort care, also known as palliative care. There are numerous illnesses/ conditions that can be life limiting, such as:

cancer,
congenital anomalies,
end stage diseases of an organ system (heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.),
neurological degenerative diseases (Battens Disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, etc.)
and traumatic injuries.

Gilchrist Kids has a toll free referral hotline: 1.800.467.7423.
For more information contact the Gilchrist Kids Program Manager at 443-849-8200.