Hospice Care That Comforts All

What is hospice?

We can't know exactly what you are feeling but we understand you are in pain. We offer you the compassionate support we would also expect to receive. And as you approach the hardest part of this journey, know that you are not alone. Our services will guide and support you and your family through this difficult process. 

Our focus at Randall Children’s hospital is with families at the center. While having a child with life limiting illness is not normal, we know that your child and family is more than their illness. Our hospice care is designed to provide an environment in which your family can spend quality time, focus on your child’s comfort and continue to create meaningful memories within your family. 

Our hospice specialists treat the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of a child while providing ongoing support for family members. We consider it an honor to help provide the best possible quality of life for all of you.  

Your family, your choice: when is hospice right for you 

Hospice care may be appropriate when your physician determines that medical treatment no longer offers a cure. We aggressively treat your child’s symptoms, improve their comfort and quality of life. 

Families frequently tell us they wish they had requested our services sooner. The earlier you choose to involve us, the more we can assist in supportive (physical and emotional) comfort for your child and family.  We consider it a privilege to provide comfort and care, and to ease some of your daily burdens. 

Here are some guidelines to consider when thinking about whether hospice is right for your child and family:  

• Referral from your physician who recommends hospice.  
• Terminal medical condition with a life expectancy of six months or less, assuming the illness runs its normal course.  
• Ready for control (palliation) of symptoms and not cure of illness.  
• Participation in plan of care developed by the patient, family, physician and the hospice team.  
• Live within the counties served by Legacy Hospice Services (Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Washington, Columbia, Yamhill and Polk counties)  
• Have a place of residence (home, foster home or residential care facility), which is a safe environment for patient, caregiver and hospice staff.  
• Have a realistic plan to provide primary caregiving, 24 hours a day.  

All patients who meet the guidelines above are accepted regardless of ability to pay. Hospice coverage is widely available. It’s provided by Medicare nationwide, by Medicaid in some states, and by most private health insurance policies. To be sure of coverage, check with your employer or health insurance provider; our staff can help you with this process. Our staff may be able to find funding even for those who don’t meet the usual rules for reimbursement.

Your family, your choice: hospice at home, or in home-like surroundings 

Selecting hospice care for a child is something no parent wants to do. At Randall Children’s Hospital, we guide patients and family members through the process gently and supportively, easing the stress and emotional burden of family members while providing the appropriate care for children. 

Our hospice team offers compassionate, competent care at home and in the hospital. No matter the location, the goal is to create a peaceful, loving setting to promote a child’s well-being. We offer same-day referrals, 24 hours a day, and work closely with insurance companies so family members can focus on spending time together. 

Legacy Hopewell House is a welcoming, peaceful place nestled in a wooded area of Southwest Portland, with 11 personalized patient rooms looking out over the trees and featuring handmade quilts and other home-like touches. Meals are customized for each patient and are also available for family members. We encourage visits, and everyone is welcome — even the family pet. 

Our round-the-clock medical care emphasizes symptom management and support for your child. We serve those who are experiencing severe pain, intractable nausea, seizures, depression, respiratory distress, or other conditions your family is unable to cope with.  

Your family, your choice: care services 

Your child will have increased support under hospice services.

Our care includes help from our highly-trained staff as well as specialized treatment offerings. 

• Hospice aide/homemaker assistance 
• Infusion therapy 
• Medical social work 
• Occupational therapy (OT) 
• Physician services 
• Physical therapy (PT) 
• Skilled nursing 
• Speech therapy

We’re available to arrange additional help so you are able to focus on what’s most important; quality time with your family.

• Short-term inpatient care for symptom management
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Medications and biological supplies 

We also offer:

• Spiritual, dietary and bereavement counseling. 
• Volunteer services

How should we prepare?

There is no easy way to prepare for your child’s hospice stay. Every family deals differently to the situation. Being upfront and honest with your child and yourself is the best approach. It’s also good to remember that hospice is an atmosphere of love, kindness and hope. Your child’s time in hospice may be short or long, but it can and should be a time to embrace the present.  

How can I help prepare for a sibling’s hospice stay 

Grief is a natural process, and it does not have a specific time frame. Each member of your family needs to grieve and heal at their own pace. If you have other children, you can help them by being open about what is about to happen and using age-appropriate terms. 

Encourage children to discuss their feelings, but don’t force it. Try to maintain normalcy; however, it’s okay if children don’t feel like doing their normal recreational activities for a bit. Children should have the opportunity to say goodbye to a sibling and, afterward, to mourn in a healthy way. Let children know that support is available if they feel overwhelmed with sadness or just need someone to talk to about their emotions.  

Get Connected & Stay Informed   

MyHealth gives you access to your child's medical records. View test results, diagnoses, medications, follow-up instructions, make an appointment and more.   

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