Our Children
Since inception of our program services in 2006, Circle of Life has served a total of 315 infants, children, adolescents and families through 2010 through our Perinatal, Neonatal and Pediatric Palliative Care and End-of-Life Programs.
Services to children have included:
- Assessment/evaluation and management of physical problems, and psychosocial, spiritual and social service needs
- Management of difficult physical symptoms including pain
- Referrals to appropriate services
Services to families have included:
- Assistance in communicating effectively with the health care team
- Education about potential problems and long-term needs
- Help in setting goals of care
- Coordination and communication with multiple providers
- Guidance with difficult decisions including long term care and/or end-of-life options
- Referral to community resources
- Assistance with spiritual and cultural traditions, rituals and ceremonies
- Home visits
- Counseling and bereavement support to parents and siblings
Services for Healthcare Professionals have included:
- Prenatal consultation services
- Perinatal end-of-life and/or palliative care options
- Newborn palliative care options, including pain and symptom management
- Planning and facilitation of family meetings and shared decision making between physician and families
- Support for difficult decisions such as DNR withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies, etc.
- Anticipatory guidance, grief counseling and support for healthcare providers
- Educational opportunities for staff, i.e. grand rounds, presentations, workshops, accredited seminars
To request a free DVD explaining our services to children and their families please call our office at 973-273-0872.