Pediatric Care
PEDIATRIC CARE--KIDS PATH®
WHAT IS KIDS PATH®
Children who are ill or dealing with grief associated with the loss of a loved one need special care and support. These situations also have an impact on the child's family. That's why Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region is proud to offer Kids Path Pediatric Care, the only specialized children's program in our service area. The goal of Kids Path is to enhance the quality of life for these children, and those who share their lives, by helping them manage and adjust, while regaining a sense of normalcy to their lives.
Kids Path is a consortium of hospice service providers in three states offering nursing, home health, counseling, spiritual and grief support services to children and families. These families are facing serious or life-limiting illnesses or the loss of a loved one.
The Kids Path care team joins with other medical professionals to provide families with the care they need.
Click here for criteria for Kids Path admission.
KIDS PATH® HEALTH SERVICES
Kids Path is a unique program for children, ranging from infants to eighteen years of age, and their families facing the challenges of coping with a serious progressive condition. Our pediatric Home Care Team offers physical, emotional and spiritual care with a goal of enhancing the quality of life for children and teens, and those who share their lives.
- Palliative Medicine Consultation
A Kids Path physician is available to provide hospital-based consultation to address complex symptom management, goals of care and health services available at home through Kids Path. - Home Health Care
A Kids Path staff clinician can make intermittent home visits (as ordered by a doctor) for children with serious progressive conditions. Other Kids Path team members may include a social worker, nursing assistant, physical therapist and other disciplines, as ordered to meet specific treatment goals. - Hospice Care
Our Kids Path clinical staff offers a team approach to care for children with life-limiting conditions. These children have a life expectancy of months rather than years. A physician's order is required for hospice care, and includes a variety of services, such as nursing care, counseling, chaplain and volunteer services for all family members. Bereavement services are available for family members.
KIDS PATH® GRIEF SERVICES
Children cope with illness and loss differently than adults. Kids Path strives to meet the unique needs of children and their families by offering information, support and a safe place to express feelings.
- Individual or Group Support
Children and teens and families affected by the serious illness of a loved one can receive support through Kids Path. Grief counseling is offered for those children and teens who have experienced the death of someone close. Kids Path staff also make referrals for supportive resources throughout our service area. - In-School Education and Support
Kids Path is available to schools to offer support for students experiencing grief. Our Kids Path staff can offer support and teach students specific coping skills to help them process their loss in a healthy way. Along with school counselors, our staff works with parents/guardians to provide a safe environment for the expression of feelings and to help students learn to move forward despite their loss. - Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp October 18 & 19, 2008
Chameleon's Journey is a grief camp for children and teens operated by Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region's Kids Path program. It is a weekend to support campers who have experienced the death of a close family member or other significant person in their lives. Through Chameleon's Journey overnight and day camps, and in-school grief support groups, we have had the honor of touching the lives of hundreds of grieving youths and their parent-guardians.
The overnight camp is a fun-filled and unique event. A combination of structured, hands-on activities and small and large group discussions led by trained counselors help campers identify and constructively manage their feelings of grief. In a caring, confidential and safe environment, campers share their experiences and feelings with one another and ultimately recognize that they are not alone. A highlight of the camp is the annual campfire memorial service which honors the campers' loved ones. Parents and guardians participate in workshops on Saturday and Sunday, designed specifically to address adult grief and provide suggestions to help their grieving children.
Chameleon's Journey camp is offered free of charge through the generosity of area organizations, foundations, businesses, individuals and volunteers who care about and have a special interest in the well being of children and teens. If you or your company would like to become a volunteer or financial supporter of this special camp, please call 704.375.0100. To make a gift to support Kids Path or Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp, please click here.
If you would like to attend the camp, please call 704.335.4334. You can also download the application to complete and mail or fax to Chameleon's Journey. Space is limited at camp, and you are encouraged to apply early. The application deadline is September 26, 2008.
Click here to view the 2007 Chameleon's Journey Grief Camp photo gallery.