Our Pediatric Hospice Program -
Gilchrist Kids
Gilchrist Kids is a pediatric hospice program. We provide compassionate and comprehensive end-of-life care for infants, children, and young adults with life-limiting illnesses. The program also provides perinatal support for parents-to-be who have learned that their unborn child may have an incurable illness.
Pediatric Hospice Program
Gilchrist’s pediatric hospice program is dedicated to helping children with life-limiting illnesses “live well” during their last months, weeks, and days. Our team focuses on relieving physical, emotional, social, and spiritual suffering, enhancing quality of life for both children and their families. We also provide the guidance and support loved ones need during an incredibly difficult time.
Some children on hospice may continue to receive curative treatments or therapies; the hospice team works with each family and their insurance provider to determine what is possible. Gilchrist Kids provides hospice care for infants, children, and young adults who are in the terminal phase of their illness, offering compassionate support every step of the way.
Perinatal Support
Receiving news that an unborn child has a life-threatening or life-limiting condition can bring overwhelming questions and emotions. Parents may face complex medical decisions while also navigating emotional, social, and spiritual concerns.
Gilchrist’s perinatal hospice team includes experienced healthcare providers across multiple specialties who “walk with” families throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. The team helps families honor and celebrate their baby’s life—however long it may be—and provides guidance, comfort, and support along the way.
If a newborn can be cared for at home, even briefly, the Gilchrist Kids team helps ease the transition. Our professionals offer the care, resources, and support needed for both the baby and family during this tender time.
Gilchrist’s Perinatal Hospice & Palliative Care program offers:
- Assistance in the development of a birthing plan
- Coordination of care with the mother’s obstetrician and the baby’s pediatrician
- Professional counseling for family members by master’s-prepared, licensed counselors and social workers
- Sibling support through visits with a certified child life specialist
- Assistance in memory making, including hand and footprints and molds
- Spiritual support through chaplain visits
- Identification of remembrance rituals or celebrations that may provide comfort
A Compassionate Team
Our child life specialists are uniquely attuned to the individual social and emotional needs of children. Our specialists work to help children sort out their feelings, most often through play and imagination. They also work with siblings and other young family members affected by a child’s advanced illness and the changes it brings.
Family Journeys
Mo’s Story
Alexa’s Story
Alexa Linthicum is a Gilchrist Kids patient who has a rare disease called Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG). Alexa is one of only a few children in Maryland to have this rare disease.
Aziyah’s Story
“I have cystic fibrosis, and I am strong.” – Powerful words from Aziyah, one of the strongest and bravest 4-year-olds we knew. Her eagerness to continue learning, listening to music, dancing on TikTok, playing with her sisters, and just being a kid showed us that even despite her daily struggles, she lived life to the fullest.
Gilchrist Kids In the News
Gilchrist Kids staff and families have been featured on several websites and television programs over the years. See the videos below.
Kimberly Ross, Gilchrist Kids hospice aide – shares her story of finding a greater sense of purpose after losing a child.
Mary Tiso, Gilchrist Kids clinical manager – dispels common misconceptions about pediatric hospice.
Erin Bull, Gilchrist Kids nurse – discusses “What is pediatric hospice?”
Beth Solomon, child life specialist – explains her role on the Gilchrist Kids team.
Marci Scher, parent – discusses her family’s experience with Gilchrist Kids.
Gilchrist Kids Frequently Asked Questions
What is pediatric hospice?
Pediatric hospice is a specialized field of hospice that focuses on the care of children with life-limiting diagnoses. This care enables them to live their final days to the fullest, in peace and without pain, surrounded by their family. In addition, we also provide support to caregivers and family members.
Does choosing Gilchrist Kids mean giving up hope?
No. Gilchrist Kids is about offering comfort and support for children and their families. It is about living those last days, weeks, and months to the fullest, and taking the time to spend precious moments with loved ones.
Does my child have to give up his current treatments in order to enroll in Gilchrist Kids?
No. Children on pediatric hospice are allowed to participate in what is called “concurrent care.” This means that they may continue to receive curative treatments and therapies, like chemotherapy, artificial nutrition, and ventilator support. Children may continue receiving the comfort care and care coordination that is the hallmark of hospice.
Much of our time is split between home and hospital. Where will you provide care for my child?
Gilchrist Kids is uniquely positioned to provide care wherever your child is currently residing. Although most of the team’s visits will occur at your home, team members will also visit the child and family at the hospital or medical clinic where the child is receiving care. In addition, Gilchrist provides respite care and acute inpatient care at Gilchrist Center Baltimore.
We love our current medical team. Will we have to stop seeing my child’s doctors?
Absolutely not. Gilchrist Kids is aware of the valuable support and guidance your medical team has provided during such a difficult time and considers that team part of ours, working together in the best interests of your child and family.
When should we consider hospice care for my child?
If the treatments for your child’s conditions are no longer restoring or maintaining his or her health and your child is experiencing a significant decline, you may want to consider hospice care. For your child to be admitted to hospice, a doctor must certify that your child likely has six months or less to live.
How will I pay for pediatric hospice?
Medicaid and most private insurers will pay the cost of hospice services. Gilchrist Kids will handle all billing and payment services related to the life-limiting diagnosis. We will provide care to any eligible individual regardless of insurance or ability to pay. Through the generosity of our donors, Gilchrist Kids can offer financial assistance to those with no or inadequate insurance.
Gilchrist Kids provides care to all qualified individuals regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Hospice services are covered by many private health insurance plans, sponsored care and Medicaid. We will handle all the billing and payment services as they relate to the life-limiting diagnosis.
What is pediatric hospice?
Pediatric hospice is a specialized field of hospice that focuses on the care of children with life-limiting diagnoses. This care enables them to live their final days to the fullest, in peace and without pain, surrounded by their family. In addition, we also provide support to caregivers and family members.
How can Gilchrist Kids help?
Gilchrist Kids provides medical care and emotional, social, and spiritual support to improve quality of life.
Where does Gilchrist Kids provide care?
Gilchrist Kids serves Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, and Prince George’s counties. Care is most often provided in the family’s home.
