FAQ's

What is A Child's Place?

A Family centered plan of care designed to enable children with life threatening or life limiting illnesses to remain at home. The goal of the multi-disiplinary team is to help children remain comfortable in the security of familiar surroundings.

When do I refer a child to this program?

When a child has a life-threatening or life-limiting condition. When treatment is palliative not curative. When staying at home is the family's and patients goal. When continuity of care between the hospital and the home is important. When a child expresses a desire to stop treatment or hospitalization. When it is determined a pregnancy will likely result in a life-threatening condition for the infant.

Who cares for the child at home?

Parents are the primary caregivers for the child. Care is coordinated through the child's Physician or the Hospice medical director if desired. The Pediatric Hospice team consists of nurses, social workers, aides, chaplains, and volunteers in addition to the physician. families can reach a nurse 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bereavement services are provided to the family for up to 2 years following a child's death.

How are referrals made to a Child's Place?

You may call 256-757-7577 anytime and ask for a pediatric representative.

A Child's Place

Developed from the concept that a child's place is in the home. Bluewater Hospice's A Child's Place was created to be a comprehensive program for children with life-threatening illnesses.

About Our Pediatric Staff:

Claudia Mardigian is a Pediatric Hospice Nurse for Bluewater Hospice. She has 37 years experience as a nurse and holds a masters degree in Maternal-Child Nursing. Claudia also has eight years of Hospice experience caring for infants, children and young adults.

Claudia will assist in coordinating care for children requiring or requesting palliative care. She understands that each child is unique and special. Her up to date knowledge and past experience will help shape a personalized comprehensive plan of care for specific needs and will lead to empowering the children to remain at home.

No parent expect to outlive their children and the care team at A Child's Place will help ease the fear and anxiety that accompanies a devastating illness. We are pleased and honored to help the children and families in our care on this emotional journey.

You may call 256-757-7577 anytime and ask for a pediatric representative.

We are Honored to serve children and their families in the following counties:

Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, and Morgan