Concurrent Care for Children
About Pediatric Concurrent Care
Concurrent Care for Children is a program within Hospice of Santa Cruz County. Concurrent care is an unfamiliar term to many. The simplest way to think of our program is that we combine palliative care and hospice care across time for children with potentially life-limiting illnesses. We provide home-based pain and symptom management to assist with physical, mental and spiritual health issues, while helping optimize quality of life and the priorities or goals of the child and family. Children on our concurrent care service may continue to seek life-sustaining and curative treatments, while receiving home-based comfort care.
The Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s Concurrent Care for Children program goal is to support you, your child and your family and help make this time as meaningful and positive as possible.
I have hidden in my soul a sliver of the sun.
Who Concurrent Care for Children supports
Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s Concurrent Care for Children program cares for youth from birth to 21 years of age with a life-limiting illness such as congenital heart disease, pulmonary conditions, cancer, neuromuscular disorders, neurological or genetic disorders.
The Concurrent Care Team
The Concurrent Care Team connects with you and your support services to provide the most comprehensive care available for your child. The team may include a nurse, social worker, aide, spiritual counselor, doctor, volunteer, and music therapist. Our goal is to provide expert care and support to address your child’s medical, emotional, and spiritual needs throughout this journey.
What We Offer
- Physician On-Call 24/7
- Pain & Symptom Management
- Medication Management
- Medical Equipment Coordination
- Education on Disease Progression & Decision-Making
- Therapies such as Music, Aromatherapy, Massage & Pet Companions
- Coordinated Care to Support the Whole Child Model
- Emotional and Spiritual Care Counseling
- Interpretation Services via Language Line
- Volunteer Visitors who help with Errands & Light Chores
- Memory and Legacy Making
- Grief & Bereavement Support for Entire Family
- Camp Erin© Santa Cruz – Bereavement Camp for Youth
FAQs about Concurrent Care
Can my child continue to see their pediatrician?
Yes; we will work directly with your child’s current physicians and you may elect to continue curative treatment and therapies with other physicians.
Is this concurrent care for children program only for children who have cancer?
No; we will accept any child with a life-limiting diagnosis who is deemed eligible by our Pediatric Medical Director and your child’s physician (Pediatrician or Specialist).
Does choosing Concurrent Care for Children mean we are giving up hope?
No; certainly not. By choosing Concurrent Care you are creating an opportunity to focus on quality of life as you define it.
Who pays for Concurrent Care?
In most cases, private insurance or Medi-Cal cover the costs of concurrent care. Donations from our generous community also mean that we can accept all eligible patients regardless of their ability to pay.
Our compassionate team of experts is ready to help 24/7, please reach out if you have any questions:
(831) 430-3000
Additional Resources
