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You are here : Programs/Services » Comfort for Kids	Friday, September 05, 2008

Caring for Bay Area children with
life-limiting illnesses since 1995

(925) 887- 5670

We will help you to give your child
the precious gift of home.

Comfort for Kids

Comfort for Kids provides comprehensive, in-home healthcare and support for Bay Area children with life-limiting illnesses. With 12 years of experience, Comfort for Kids is respected as a leader in providing pediatric palliative and hospice care in Northern California.

Comfort for Kids offers two programs:

Palliative Care—for children and teens with life-limiting illnesses who are receiving treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation
Hospice Care—serves children and teens for whom a cure is no longer possible

Children in both programs are assisted with pain control and symptom management in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own homes. Home routines, which are beneficial to all children, are especially so for those who are ill and need to be comforted by the presence of family, friends, and pets.

The Goals of Comfort for Kids:

to respect the values and wishes of our young patients and their families
to ensure that families remain together
to provide care in the home
to effectively control pain and manage other symptoms
to educate caregivers so that they have the skill and confidence to care for their child
to help families address emotional, spiritual, and practical concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Comfort for Kids offer?

Specialized in-home pediatric care provided by our team, which is directed by your child’s primary care physician
Control of pain and management of other symptoms
Coordination of medications, supplies, and equipment related to the illness
Availability of a registered nurse to answer questions 24-hours a day
Education for parents/caregivers on how to meet your child’s needs
Emotional and spiritual support for the entire family, including grief and bereavement support for parents and siblings
Bathing and personal grooming/Home Health Aide support
Volunteer support
Help with accessing other useful community services
Direct billing by Comfort for Kids to Medi-Cal or private insurance companies

In addition, children in the Palliative Care program will have any necessary hospitalizations coordinated by the Comfort for Kids team.

Do we have to change doctors?

No. Your child’s primary care physician will continue to direct care, working with our Comfort for Kids team. Our team includes a Comfort for Kids physician, a registered nurse, pharmacist, pediatric clinical social worker, home health aide, spiritual and bereavement counselors, and trained volunteers.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, and Southern Solano Counties.

What does the registered nurse do?

Your child will have a registered nurse who will make home visits as often as needed to monitor the effectiveness of medications and assess the changing needs of your child. The nurse will ensure that your child is comfortable and safe. In addition, pediatric registered nurses are available 24-hours a day to answer any questions as they arise.

What does the Pediatric Clinical Social Worker do?

The Pediatric Clinical Social Worker, with a specialty in child and adolescent grief, offers individualized services, such as:

play therapy
parent education
emotional and bereavement support
assistance with referrals
special focus: sibling support

How will you help me with my child’s care?

We understand the stress of caring for a seriously ill child. We will teach you to confidently handle routine medical needs, and to recognize changes that will require our assistance. We will be by your side, every step of the way, offering emotional, spiritual and practical support for your family.

Who do I call at night or on weekends if we need assistance?

Call (925) 887-5670. You will reach our answering service. A message will be taken and a registered nurse will return your call. If your question or concern is urgent, tell the answering service operator.

If symptoms become difficult to manage in the middle of the night, will a nurse come?

Yes. A pediatric registered nurse is available to make in-home visits 24 hours a day for crisis situations.

Does Comfort for Kids provide free consults?

Yes. Telephone or in-person consultations are free and scheduled at a time and place that is convenient for you.

How do we get started with Comfort for Kids services?

You or your child’s physician may call Comfort for Kids at (925) 887-5670 to inquire about our programs. After receiving a doctor’s order, we will schedule an appointment at your home.

Will we receive a bill for Comfort for Kids services that are not covered by insurance?

No. Many forms of insurance reimburse all or part of the cost of care. If you are uninsured or under-insured, the Hospice Foundation of the East Bay will provide the funding necessary to care for your child.