Pediatric Care

There's No Place Like Home

Parents will go to any length to help their child when faced with a serious illness. However, there are times when even the miracles of modern medicine aren't enough. In those moments, there's truly no place like home. Hoffmann Hospice understands the difficulty of choosing hospice care for a child. Many parents feel as though they are 'giving up,' but hospice care is about shifting focus—helping your child live as fully and pain-free as possible.

We know this decision is challenging, but since 1995, Hoffmann Hospice has been here to support families in caring for their children. We are ready to help your family through this journey.

Pediatric Care

At Hoffmann Hospice, we believe you are your child’s best caregiver. But in the case of a serious illness, you need help. Our Starlight Pediatric Program – a team of professionals and volunteers with experience in pediatrics and a variety of other specialties – was developed to give you that help.

Our Pediatric Medical Director and team, with the input from the patient, family and your child’s specialist will develop a personalized plan of care and support that is continually reviewed and adapted to meet your child’s changing needs.

The Starlight Pediatric Program puts your child and family at the center of this team.

Our Services

Pain and Symptom Control
Specialized Medical equipment and medications
Care for Patients and their Families
24-hour Access to on-call Hospice Nurses
Physician Services
Sibling support through the Buddy Brigade
Social Services
Spiritual Care
Bereavement Services

Pediatric Team Members

Physicians
Chaplains
Registered Nurse
Social Workers
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Trained Volunteers
Spiritual Counselors
Certified Hospice Aides

Caring for a child with a serious illness may seem like more than any family could handle. With hospice, you are not alone. The interdisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, social workers, clergy and volunteers at Hoffmann Hospice are here to provide the coordinated care and support you need. Our nurses receive comprehensive training from the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) in the areas of pediatric assessment, pain treatment for children, medications, grieving and more. Our goal is to prepare you to assume the role of primary caregiver and to include your family and your child in all decisions regarding care.

Pediatric FAQ's

Who is eligible for the Starlight Pediatric Program?

The Starlight Pediatric Program is for children and adolescents from birth to 20 years of age who have a life-limiting medical condition or llness. Many of our pediatric patients are not expected to reach adulthood and may be in the program for many years. In many cases, families may continue to seek curative treatment (Concurrent Care) or may decide to solely begin comfort and symptom management. The Starlight Pediatric Program cares for children whose illnesses include, but are not limited to:

Heart Diseases
Lung Diseases
Neurological Disorders
Genetic and Metabolic Diseases
Neuromuscular Disease
Cancers and Tumors

Why should our family choose Hoffmann Hospice?

Hoffmann Hospice is the only local non-profit hospice choice in Kern County that cares for pediatric patients. It is operated directly by founders Tom and Beth Hoffmann who work daily with the staff at all branches to develop and improve the highest quality patient care and community resources. Our extensively trained pediatrics team is led by Pediatric Medical Director Dr. David Sine to ensure the best possible care for the children and adolescents in our program.

When is it time for hospice care?

It is never too soon to learn about the hospice care options available for your child and family. When your child has a life-limiting illness and your goal is to provide comfort, symptom management and enhanced quality of life, then it may be the right time to call Hoffmann Hospice. Anyone can refer a child and their family to Hoffmann Hospice, including family members, friends or physicians. Hoffmann Hospice works closely with specialists, primary care physicians and children’s hospitals to ensure every child and their family receives the best possible care.

How will Hoffmann Hospice care for my child and family?

In addition to your personal nurse caring for your child on a weekly basis, Hoffmann Hospice’s pediatric nurses are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The services provided are located on the inside of this brochure and also include:

Touch Therapy (massage), Pet Therapy, Music and Art
Celebrations, including birthdays and special patient wishes
Education and resources to help care for a child at home
Buddy Brigade support services for siblings in the home

How is hospice care paid for?

Hospice care is covered by most insurance plans including private insurance and Medi-Cal. As a non-profit hospice, Hoffmann Hospice will accept eligible patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Can my child continue to see their primary care physician?

Yes. Your child may continue to see their primary physician or they may transition completely to our care. In most cases parents have been comfortable transitioning completely to our care.