For Families
Designed to deliver multiple adaptive modes of on-site care, Ryan House embraces all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys. Here, we are realizing both the philosophy and the practice of pediatric palliative care. We are the only organization of our kind in the Southwest, and one of three in the country. Our services are provided at no cost to families.
Medical Complexities
Pediatric Respite Care
Respite care is a gift of time; short-term overnight stays that help a family take breaks from the stress of round-the-clock home care. It also creates opportunities for kids to be kids, where they can spend time with other children like them. Pediatric respite care becomes a necessity, not a luxury. It is the solution for renewed energies and fresh perspectives, as regular “time off” for caregivers is essential to help prevent family fatigue and breakdown. At Ryan House, children and families can receive up to 28 days of respite care per year.
Pediatric Palliative Care
Pediatric palliative care is both a philosophy and a method of care. It aims to holistically identify and alleviate the physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and emotional pain for both the child and the family. Its primary goals are to enhance quality of life, minimize suffering, optimize functions, and provide opportunities for personal growth.
Life-Enhancing Therapeutic Activities
Certified child life specialists and trained volunteers provide activities that address the isolation, pain, and fear children and their siblings face with diagnosis. They also improve overall quality of life by providing opportunities to experience new sensations, develop skills, and gain confidence. Activities include Legacy Building, art, music, pet, sensory, recreational, and hydro-therapeutic activities.
End-of-Life
Pediatric End-of-Life Care
Families with a child facing end-of-life receive supportive planning and compassionate care consistent with clinical, cultural, and ethical standards. Ryan House also provides parents or guardians and siblings with a loving system of support and comfort. End-of-life care is provided in partnership with our Care Partner, Hospice of the Valley.
Grief and Bereavement Support
Ryan House offers grief and bereavement support to families in many ways, including Bridges of Support, family counseling through various programs, an annual community event to honor passed children, and bereavement boxes to families that are filled with special keepsakes. Additionally, the Care Team provides anticipatory grief support to children, siblings, and their families.
Support for Siblings
Sibling Bridges of Support and Hope (SBSH) is an opportunity for siblings (ages 5 – 16) of children with complex health needs to obtain peer support and education within a fun, supportive environment.
This unique program provides school-age siblings with opportunities for peer support in a relaxed, recreational setting where they can discuss common joys and concerns with other children who can relate to their experiences and unique situations that exist within their homes. They also learn how to cope healthily with situations commonly experienced by others who are in similar situations and discuss the implications of their sibling’s medical needs and the effects on them.
For more info about upcoming SBSH program dates and additional details, contact Child Life
Specialist Mitch Cohen at mcohen@ryanhouse.org or (602) 234-6700.
