Episode 126 | Supporting Children in Hospice - a podcast by Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist
from 2022-06-22T06:00:09
Episode 126 | Supporting Children in Hospice
On this week's episode, Shani Thornton, CCLS, from Child Life Mommy shares how to support children in hospice. Shani wears many different hats in the Child Life world including supporting children in the hospice setting .Shani shares how to connect with children during this difficult time and ways to explain things that are honest and easy to understand. To help children feel more connected during this challenging time she shares some of the meaningful exercises and activities she does to help children cope.
Connect with Shani:
Click on this link to view the books Shani talked about in today's episode!
[6:50] Shani talks about working with a local hospice agency to provide support
[8:44] Interventions in the hospice setting
[10:07] Importance of following the child’s lead.
[11:05] How children digest information
[13:35] Explaining differences in medication, for illness versus comfort
[15:22] Explaining to children the care team that will be helping
[16:10] Processing hospice care
[16:30] Using play to help children to understand terminal illness
[18:00] How to explain illness not seen by the eye
[19:17] Importance of validation, security, emotional safety and being seen
[19:35] Creating fingerprint charms, handprint molds, handprint tree and bracelets to commemorate
[21:25] Importance of giving parents space to share and how witnessing, validating and listening is key
[22:54] Communication with social worker and hospice agency
[24:40] Additional ways to support the family
Sign up for FREE Parent Support Group with a Child Life Specialist beginning, Monday June 27th at 10am CST
Have you heard? The Child Life On Call mobile app for parents, kids and their care team will be available in 2022. Sign up to stay informed here.
Child Life On Call is a community of parents and professionals that share ideas, stories and resources to help YOU navigate your child’s unique experiences. We give you strategies to support yourself and your family through life’s challenges. We are so glad you are here.
Website: childlifeoncall.com
Merch: bonfire.com/store/childlifeoncall
Instagram: instagram.com/childlifeoncall
Facebook: facebook.com/childlifeoncall
Twitter: twitter.com/childlifeoncall
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnh95T1MOYtbpBxJaZqg7rg
Further episodes of Child Life On Call: Parents of children with an illness or medical condition share their stories with a child life specialist
Further podcasts by Katie Taylor, Certified Child Life Specialist