Overview

Improving the quality of life through symptom management and support

Palliative care improves your child’s quality of life by easing their symptoms so they can just be kids.

We also attend to your entire family’s physical, psychological and spiritual needs. These six core activities define our care model:

  • Communicating with the family

  • Controlling symptoms

  • Managing complications caused by the disease or its treatment

  • Planning for advanced care

  • Providing psychosocial care for the child and family

  • Tending to the dying, if appropriate

Any child living with a serious, life-threatening or life-limiting illness can benefit from palliative care services. These services are not only for children nearing the end of life. Families can use our services from their child’s diagnosis through their completed treatment.

About our treatments

Bringing comfort to children with serious illnesses

Each child is unique, and we tailor our palliative care services to meet their specific needs. Our experts work with your child’s entire care team to minimize suffering and preserve your child’s ability to function normally.

The treatment process

Treating your child’s particular medical needs

There’s no single playbook for treating a seriously ill child. We work closely with your child’s care team to understand the diagnosis.

We recognize the specific challenges your child faces. Then, we make a plan so your child can live as normally as possible.

We also focus on the needs of your family members. It’s important to know that neither you nor your child is alone during this difficult time. From psychosocial help to spiritual care services, we meet your entire family’s needs.

Meet our team

Taking care of all your child's needs

Effective palliative care takes a team effort. Our experts partner with your whole family.

Together we make your child as comfortable as possible before, during and after their medical treatment. Our team consists of several specialists, such as:

  • Advanced practice nurses

  • Chaplains

  • Child life specialists

  • Health psychologists

  • Pharmacists

  • Physicians

  • Social workers

Pediatric palliative care

Location

Comfort care in a space meant just for kids

Pediatric palliative care services are available at American Family Children's Hospital for children of all ages and their families. Please talk to your provider to make arrangements.

Patient support and services

Resources for parents of children receiving palliative care

Learn more about the role of palliative medicine in your child's care and find resources to help you talk about difficult topics.

About palliative care

Learn how the palliative care process benefits your child.

Parenting through serious illness

Parenting is hard and parenting a child through a serious illness can be harder.

Kids and serious illness

Smiling child with sign reading UW Health Kids
UW Health Kids
Our pediatric experts have served the special needs of children for more than 100 years. We focus on each child’s unique needs and offer social and emotional support to help you and your child face even the most complex condition. Our long history includes the creation of medical advances that save lives around the world. Together, we get your child back to health and enjoying being a kid.