Post by Julie Douglass, R.N., director of palliative care and children’s programs
“Stepping Stones, this is Sandy. How may I help you?”. The important first step for families who have a seriously–ill child or suffered the loss of a child starts with a phone call to our children and families program, Stepping Stones. They’re reaching out for help and we’re here for them.
Assessing Families’ Needs
Sandy Murray, our team assistant, is often the first voice families hear when they call in seeking a life line of support to help them navigate through the unbelievable – the possible loss or loss of their child. Sandy provides a calm, supportive presence as she gathers the necessary information to determine which of our care programs may best meet the families’ needs.
Do they have a child battling a life–limiting illness? Perhaps our Stepping Stones 4 Kids pediatric hospice care or pediatric home health is the answer. Have they already experienced the loss of a child? Our Stepping Stones grief counseling may be the right choice. Is a couple anticipating or experiencing a perinatal loss? Our Stepping Stones perinatal doulas and counselors can walk alongside them as they navigate this unplanned road.
Coordinating Care & Services
Once we determine which program or programs are a good fit for families our staff jumps to action. Our pediatric registered nurses (RNs) and counselors may collaborate with staff and physicians at All Children’s Hospital to coordinate nursing and counseling services, so families can bring their child home. Our counselors may coordinate individual and group counseling sessions for working through the emotions and stresses of having an ill child or bereavement. Our pediatric medical director may get involved to assist with a child’s pain and symptoms management.
Our care for children and families is provided regardless of their ability to pay. Some of our services are covered by insurance or Medicaid. Individual and group counseling is provided based on an individualized fee scale.
Stepping Up 4 Kids
One opportunity for the community to support our children’s programming is to join our 3rd annual Stepping Up 4 Kids, a 1–mile and 5K walk/run happening this Sunday, March 3 at the Seminole Pow Wow. You can register online or at the race. We hope you’ll come out with your family and friends for this fun event benefiting the kids we serve. Thank you for making a difference for kids.
Does your family need help with care or support? Call our Stepping Stones program, 727–523-2361, to find out how we might help you.
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| Julie Douglass |
Assessing Families’ Needs
Sandy Murray, our team assistant, is often the first voice families hear when they call in seeking a life line of support to help them navigate through the unbelievable – the possible loss or loss of their child. Sandy provides a calm, supportive presence as she gathers the necessary information to determine which of our care programs may best meet the families’ needs.
Do they have a child battling a life–limiting illness? Perhaps our Stepping Stones 4 Kids pediatric hospice care or pediatric home health is the answer. Have they already experienced the loss of a child? Our Stepping Stones grief counseling may be the right choice. Is a couple anticipating or experiencing a perinatal loss? Our Stepping Stones perinatal doulas and counselors can walk alongside them as they navigate this unplanned road.
Coordinating Care & Services
Once we determine which program or programs are a good fit for families our staff jumps to action. Our pediatric registered nurses (RNs) and counselors may collaborate with staff and physicians at All Children’s Hospital to coordinate nursing and counseling services, so families can bring their child home. Our counselors may coordinate individual and group counseling sessions for working through the emotions and stresses of having an ill child or bereavement. Our pediatric medical director may get involved to assist with a child’s pain and symptoms management.
Our care for children and families is provided regardless of their ability to pay. Some of our services are covered by insurance or Medicaid. Individual and group counseling is provided based on an individualized fee scale.
Stepping Up 4 Kids
One opportunity for the community to support our children’s programming is to join our 3rd annual Stepping Up 4 Kids, a 1–mile and 5K walk/run happening this Sunday, March 3 at the Seminole Pow Wow. You can register online or at the race. We hope you’ll come out with your family and friends for this fun event benefiting the kids we serve. Thank you for making a difference for kids.
Does your family need help with care or support? Call our Stepping Stones program, 727–523-2361, to find out how we might help you.
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