Administrator: Vickie Peoples, RN, BSN, MBA

The Children's Care and Comfort program is one of the programs offered by Children's Home Care of Dayton. The staff of Children's Care and Comfort understand the needs of children with life-threatening illnesses and the needs of their families. The goal is to provide family-centered care that respects the dignity and uniqueness of every child and family. The specific services provided are determined by the family. With a primary care physician, care team members support the family in their decisions, allowing them to care for their seriously ill child at home.

Services available

• Nurses with pediatric expertise on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Infusion therapies
• Pain management
• In-home blood transfusions
• Intensive family support
• Interdisciplinary team case management
• Coordinator and advocacy with community resources
• A family support specialist is available to provide individualized services. These include:
  • Emotional support
  • Parent education
  • Sibling support
  • Short-term family intervention
  • Referrals and resources
  • Bereavement support
• Palliative care -
  Comfort Line offers support to families. Families and caregivers facing end-of-life issues now have another resource for support thanks to the Ohio Pediatric Palliative Care and End-of-Life Network (OPPEN). Dayton Children’s is a member of this network. The Comfort Line is staffed by pediatric palliative care physicians and advanced practice nurses to help answer medical questions related to pediatric pain and symptom management; answer questions about pediatric palliative care, hospice, chronic illness or end-of-life issues; refer you to palliative care or hospice providers; and provide information on community agencies and resources.
  
  Contact info: Comfort Line is available toll free at 1-866-315-6327, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
  
  OPPEN is made up of health care professionals who provide palliative care to pediatric patients and their families.  We represent a variety of health care organizations throughout the state of Ohio.  We are committed to providing quality care during a patient’s long term illness.
  
  We have developed a resource guide which lists resources to help your family during this time.  Find the guide here.
  
  For more information or to ask any questions, contact Cindy Asher, RN, or 937-641-3000, extension 8934, or Gerri Sheehan, RN, or 937-641-5344. 
  
  

Referral Information:

Families and physicians may request Children's Care and Comfort services for any child experiencing a life-threatening illness.

Hours referrals accepted: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

For more information: Gerri Sheehan, RN, 937-641-4663