Hospice of Michigan's Pediatric Program

• Hospice of Michigan's Pediatric Program was established in 1994.
  
  
• Although most hospices offer care to children, Hospice of Michigan is one of the small percentage that has a team dedicated strictly to pediatrics.
  
  
• Since its inception, HOM's Pediatric Program has served more than 400 families.
  
  
• The most common diagnoses for children admitted to the program are cancer and neurologic diseases.
  
  
• Currently, pediatric hospice care is delivered primarily late in the course of illness. HOM is has developed a Pediatric Early Care program that offers services when a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening condition. Also Pediatric Grief and Bereavement support will continue as long as is needed by the family.
  
  
• HOM's Pediatric Program relies on grants and charitable gifts for funding support. Medicaid and private insurances do pay for hospice care but not Pediatric Early Care. Pediatric hospice care is often more costly than adult hospice care due to different medications used and other special needs of the patients. PEC is a non-billable service that is supported by grants. Charitable gifts help both programs.
  
  
• The American Academy of Pediatrics has recognized the importance of developing palliative care programs that address the specific needs of seriously ill children and their families.