Our hospice palliative care program supports children and their families living with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness through respite care and, when needed, end of life care.
Hospice Palliative Program Description
Whether it is respite care, transition to home support, or end of life care, children with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness are given an opportunity to be engaged and supported while receiving compassionate palliative care. At The Darling Home for Kids, there is a continuum of care from diagnosis, to respite care, through to the dying process at the end of life.
When a child is at The Darling Home for Kids for end of life care, visitors are always welcome. Our palliative suites provide space for parents to sleep overnight in the same room as their child, with a private entrance in the palliative wing that can be utilized by family and friends.
Hospice Palliative Program Eligibility Requirements
- Children who are between the ages of 0-18 years
- Children who have a progressive life-limiting illness, or a major medical disease that is demonstrating a progressive decline
- Children who have a valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)
- Children who are eligible to receive services from their local Community Care Access Center (CCAC)
- Families who have engaged in advanced care planning discussions
- In the case of End-of-Life Care, children must have a current Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order
Children are assessed by our Clinical Manager and Medical Director prior to admission into the program to ensure that your child’s care needs can be appropriately met. This assessment includes the level of staffing required to safely care for your child, equipment and facility needs, and care plan requirements.
How to Apply
To apply to our Palliative Program please visit our Admissions page. Each completed application form will be reviewed by our cllinical team. Once your child’s application has been reviewed, you will be contacted by our Clinical Manager.