IMPROVING CARE OF DYING CHILDREN

Every year about 5,000 children aged 0 to 14 years need hospice care i n the United States. Children seem to know that they are dying, althou gh this is difficult for parents to accept. Clear, empathic understand ing is needed. Communication with clarity and understanding is imperat ive with the changes in goals from cure to palliation to comfort. The ideal place for most dying children is at home, where symptoms can be managed as effectively as in a hospital.