Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care
Full Life Care for children, every step of the way. Compassionate support for children with serious illnesses and their families.
When a child faces a serious illness, every moment matters. Empath Health partners with families to provide comprehensive pediatric care that honors each child's unique journey while supporting the entire family, in the place they call home.
Our specialized pediatric team works alongside your child's physician and care team to create an individualized Family-Centered Care Plan. That plan prioritizes quality of life and meaningful moments together. We provide symptom and pain management, emotional support, care coordination and expert guidance to help families navigate difficult decisions with compassion, dignity and clarity.
Two Kinds of Pediatric Care, One Caring Team
Empath Health offers pediatric palliative care, pediatric hospice care, and concurrent care. Your child's needs and your family's goals guide which one fits, and our team will help you understand them all.
Pediatric Palliative Care
Palliative care is specialized medical care focused on providing support for children living with serious illnesses. Children can receive palliative care at any stage of illness, alongside curative treatment.
Pediatric Hospice Care
Hospice care is comfort-focused care for when curative treatment is no longer the goal. We help families create meaningful moments together while managing pain and providing emotional and spiritual support.
Concurrent Care for Children
For eligible children, Concurrent Care allows your child to receive hospice support while continuing disease-directed treatment. This removes the burden of choosing between ongoing medical care and comfort-focused support, so families can pursue both at the same time. An interdisciplinary team works alongside your child's existing medical providers.
What Our Pediatric Care Team Provides
Pain and Symptom Management
Expert support to help manage pain, discomfort and other symptoms, promoting comfort and quality of life.
Emotional and Therapeutic Support
Counseling, social work, music therapy, child life support and bereavement services help children and families navigate the challenges of serious illness.
Spiritual and Cultural Care
Compassionate support that honors each family's beliefs, values, traditions and sources of strength.
24/7 Access to Care
Pediatric clinicians are available around the clock to provide guidance, support and peace of mind whenever families need us.
Care Where Children Call Home
Services are provided wherever a child feels most comfortable, whether that is at home, in a hospital, in a skilled nursing facility or in another care setting.
Family-Centered Care Planning
Every care plan is built around your family's unique goals, values and wishes. We listen to what matters most to you to create a personalized roadmap that respects your choices every step of the way. Your team works closely with your child's physicians, specialists, therapists and community providers to ensure seamless and coordinated care.
Why Families Choose Empath Health for Pediatric Care
Empath Health provides Full Life Care, which is extraordinary and compassionate support that honors what matters most to each person we serve. We have cared for children and families throughout Florida for over 30 years, offering specialized pediatric hospice and palliative care with a commitment to dignity, respect and whole-person support.
- Specialized pediatric expertise. Board-certified pediatric physicians and specialized pediatric nurses who understand the unique needs of children and families.
- Coordinated care. Care coordination across all providers, ensuring seamless communication and support.
- A true Family-Centered Approach. Your family's goals and wishes guide every care decision we make together.
- Support around the clock. Help is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, whenever you need us.
How to Access Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care
You can reach us directly. We will help coordinate an evaluation and work with your child's physician to provide approved care.
Whether you are exploring options for your child or ready to begin, our pediatric team is here to answer questions and guide you through each step.
Pediatric Care
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pediatric palliative care?
Pediatric palliative care is specialized care that supports children living with serious illnesses. Children can receive it at any stage of illness.
What is pediatric hospice care?
Pediatric hospice care is comfort-focused care for when curative treatment is no longer the goal. It helps families create meaningful moments together while managing pain and providing emotional and spiritual support.
Can my child receive hospice care and keep getting treatment?
For eligible children, yes. Concurrent Care allows a child to receive hospice support while continuing disease-directed treatment, so families do not have to choose between ongoing medical care and comfort-focused support.
Where does my child receive care?
Wherever your child feels most comfortable. That can be at home, in a hospital, in a skilled nursing facility or in another care setting.
Who is on my child’s care team?
Your child's team includes board-certified pediatric physicians and specialized pediatric nurses. Counseling, social work, music therapy, child life support and bereavement services are also part of our care. The team works alongside your child's physicians, specialists, therapists and community providers.
Is pediatric care support available nights and weekends?
Yes. Pediatric clinicians are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to provide guidance and support.
How do I get started?
Call (888) 855-2838 at any hour. We will help coordinate an evaluation and work with your child's physician to provide approved care.
