#United States #Temple Terrace #Pediatric Hospice #Chapters Health #Golisano Foundation

Enhancing Pediatric Hospice Care in Southwest Florida

Chapters Health System, renowned as the leading nonprofit hospice provider in the country, is making strides in care for children with chronic illnesses. Recently, it was awarded a significant $150,000 grant from the B. Thomas Golisano Foundation. This funding will be pivotal in expanding inclusive pediatric hospice care in Southwest Florida, a region that is increasingly recognized for its innovative healthcare solutions.

The initiative, titled Advancing Inclusive Pediatric Hospice Care, is designed to significantly enhance access to family-centered end-of-life care for children, especially those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This project will introduce a Certified Child Life Specialist and a Hospital-Hospice Liaison at Hope Healthcare, one of the affiliates under Chapters Health in Fort Myers.

Andrew Molosky, President and CEO of Chapters Health System, expressed the importance of this grant, stating, "This grant is a critical investment to pilot a model replicable across Chapters Health System's national network. It will enhance program outcomes, improve patient and family satisfaction, expand clinical competency, and ultimately reduce hospital utilization, paving the way for long-term sustainability."

Addressing Care Disparities

One of the major focuses of the initiative is to tackle the disparities facing specialized pediatric services. The expansion aims to provide resources that cater specifically to children and adolescents with unique needs, introducing care approaches tailored to their requirements. This includes psychosocial and emotional support, anticipatory grief and bereavement counseling, and improved coordination of care.

Erica Dayton, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation, highlighted the collaborative nature of this effort, stating, "Supporting the pediatric program at Chapters Health promotes inclusivity and enhances resources. We aim to develop a best-practice framework for pediatric hospice care that truly accommodates children with intellectual and developmental disabilities."

Comprehensive Care Approach

The Advancing Inclusive Pediatric Hospice Care initiative goes beyond just providing medical assistance. It recognizes that children with special needs require more than traditional hospice services. By employing therapeutic play and counseling, it suggests a more holistic approach to support families both emotionally and mentally during a profoundly difficult time. The services introduced will prioritize developmentally appropriate care that encourages a supportive environment for children and families alike.

The launch of this initiative represents a proactive step toward establishing a best-practice framework that can be applied nationally. Chapters Health aims to leverage its extensive network to adopt and integrate these innovative practices, ultimately improving the healthcare landscape for pediatric patients.

About Chapters Health System

Founded in 1983, Chapters Health System has developed a comprehensive portfolio of services, making it a leader in chronic illness care. It operates the largest nonprofit hospice network in the U.S. and utilizes a unique system to support patients and their families across the country. This approach has not only garnered recognition but also reflects its mission of compassionate care, symbolized in its motto, "taking care of patients, or taking care of those who do."

To learn more about the pediatric hospice at Chapters Health System, you can visit their official website. The ongoing commitment to transforming healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations, remains at the forefront of their mission, underscoring the significant impact of the Golisano Foundation's support.

About the Golisano Foundation

Operating since 1985, the Golisano Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through its efforts, it seeks to create a more inclusive society that enables all individuals to thrive. By partnering with organizations like Chapters Health, the foundation continues its mission to provide dignity and pathways for independence.

This collaborative effort marks an important evolution in pediatric care, showcasing how community support can forge new paths toward comprehensive and inclusive healthcare solutions.