Pediatric Care Program
Specialized Palliative & Hospice Care for Children
Our team focuses on educating the patient and their family on the illness's progression as well as how to navigate healthcare decisions. Outside of medical attention, our team also focuses on emotional, psychological, and spiritual support.
The goal of palliative Care is to provide relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness. Multidisciplinary assessment visits are made throughout the week to manage and relieve symptoms. Along with visits made throughout the week, there is also a registered nurse on call 24/7.
Pediatric Care Services include:
Continuous Care
Intensive care in the patient's home environment provided 8-24 hours a day to administer medications, treatments, and support for physical and/or emotional symptoms until they are under control.
Inpatient Care
Inpatient care with 24/7 supervision is available for patients in need of symptom management and supportive services.
Routine Home Care
Symptoms are managed/assessed by caregivers in the patient's home setting (private residence or other facility).
Respite
If a patient’s family is the primary care source and cannot meet their needs due to stress or extenuating circumstances, a patient may be temporarily admitted to an inpatient environment to give the family a necessary break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pediatric Palliative & Hospice Care?
It is both a philosophy and method of delivering individualized care to children with a life-threatening illness. The services benefit both the child and the family, by relieving the symptoms, pain, and emotional stress that can make facing a serious illness so difficult. Pediatric hospice services can be provided while still seeking aggressive treatment, hospitalization, and visiting specialist.
How does Pediatric Palliative & Hospice Care Differ from Hospice Care for Adults?
The main difference between the Pediatric Palliative & Hospice Care Program vs Hospice Care for Adults, is the ability to still seek all treatment while also having supportive care and visits provided at home.
Can we still have our Physician follow for care?
Yes, your healthcare professionals can still follow for care needs, with the addition of the expertise of our pediatric hospice team. Your physicians can also make the decision to allow our pediatric medical directors to follow. Our Pediatric Physicians include Dr. Kacie Sims and Dr. Stuart Clark.
Is a DNR required for services?
No, it is not necessary to have a DNR in place to benefit from Pediatric Care Services.
Where is Care Provided?
Care is provided wherever a child resides. Inpatient care options are available for symptoms management and supportive services.
Does insurance cover the cost of these services?
As the area's first and only non-profit hospice provider, our mission has always been to provide hospice care to anyone, regardless of ability to pay. Most Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance companies provide coverage for care services.
"The Hospice of Baton Rouge went above and beyond when taking care of my son, Trystan, and our family. My baby had the best care in Baton Rouge! The Hospice of Baton Rouge has the most amazing staff and the care that you receive is unbelievable. Their support never ends, they are always here for our family! I will be forever grateful for The Hospice of Baton Rouge and their care, love, and support."
Pediatric Physicians
Dr. Kacie Sims
Education
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship - Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Pediatric Residency - Our Lady of Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- MS - Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center Graduate College, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- MD - Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
- BS - Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Certification
- American Board of Pediatrics 2013
Professional Memberships
- American Society of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
- Oklahoma State Medical Association
- American Academy of Pediatrics
Dr. Stuart "Beau" Clark
Education
- Pediatric Residency - LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
- Pediatric Internship - LSU Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
- MD - American University of the Caribbean, St. Maarten
- BS - Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Certification
- Advanced Trauma Life Support
- Basic Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
Professional Memberships
- Lafayette Pediatrics Society
- Lafayette Parish Medical Society
- American Academy of Pediatrics
For More Information:
Please contact The Hospice of Baton Rouge, call (225) 767-4673, or fill out the form below.