If you feel your child needs palliative care, you can ask for it. Tell your doctors, nurses, family members, and caregivers that you want the palliative care team involved.
Links to Newborn, Child, and Youth Services in Alberta
Northern Alberta
Where can my child get palliative and end of life care in Northern Alberta?
In Northern Alberta, children can get palliative care services at home and in hospitals. The specialized pediatric palliative care team is called the ASSIST team (Aid for Symptoms and Serious Illness Support Team) and is at Stollery Children’s Hospital. They work with families, doctors, nurses, and others all over Northern Alberta.
Who gives palliative and end of life care to children in Northern Alberta?
A small team of experts will care for your child. Who is involved depends on your child's needs. The ASSIST team is made up of nurses, doctors, and a counsellor.
What can I expect from the care my child will get in Northern Alberta?
The palliative care team works with all your child's other health care providers (e.g., pediatrician, specialists, home care) to give your child and family an extra layer of support. Children and their families may get support from the palliative care team for many years, along with other care. The team is made up of experts who offer:
- support when a child's illness is first diagnosed
- help making decisions and planning for care
- care for a child who is dying at home, in the hospital, or a hospice
- grief support for parents who have lost a child
Southern Alberta
Where can my child get palliative and end of life care in Southern Alberta?
In Southern Alberta, children can get palliative care services at home, in a children's hospice, and in hospitals. The specialized pediatric palliative care team is at the Rotary Flames House, which is very close to Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary. They work with families, doctors, nurses, and others all over Southern Alberta.
Who gives palliative and end of life care to children in Southern Alberta?
A team of experts will care for your child. Who is involved depends on your child's needs. The Children's Hospice and Palliative Care Service (CHaPS) for Southern Alberta is a specialized team made up of nurses, doctors, grief support social workers, a chaplain, and a certified child life specialist. The team is supported by many others.
What can I expect from the care my child will get in Southern Alberta?
The palliative care team works with all your child's other health care providers (e.g., pediatrician, specialists, home care) to give your child and family an extra layer of support. Children and their families may get support from the palliative care team for many years, along with other care. The team is made up of experts who offer:
- support when a child’s illness is first diagnosed
- help making decisions and planning for care
- care for a child who is dying at home, in the hospital, or a hospice
- overnight care to give short breaks to caregivers (respite) at Rotary Flames House
- grief support for parents who have lost a child
