What Makes a Children’s Hospital Different?
sick kids hospital
Hospitalized children often cope with pain, separation, and an unfamiliar environment. Arguably, one of the most integral members of a children’s hospital team is the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
According to the Child Life Council, the main role of the CCLS is to improve the child’s ability to understand stressful healthcare and life experiences, by fostering an environment that offers both emotional and developmental growth opportunities. More specifically, the CCLS supports children through the use of “therapeutic play” activities. Therapeutic play is not only about supporting the child emotionally and psychologically, it can also be used to strengthen the child physically. For instance, taking deep breaths to blow bubbles can help strengthen a child’s respiratory status. The American Academy of Pediatrics (September 2006) recognizes that child life services improve pediatric care. Children’s hospital websites are often proud to highlight the CCLS role within their organization. For example, within one Texas area children’s hospital the CCLS prepares children for tests, surgeries and other procedures; provides information and education surrounding the child’s diagnosis; helps develop children’s hospital policies and uses teaching dolls, stuffed animals and medical equipment as a way of preparing and educating the child. The CCLS also supports the child’s siblings and helps children prepare for school re-entry.
These services are not unique to hospitalized children. When possible the CCLS conducts pre-admission tours of the hospital; thereby facilitating the child’s subsequent admission. In 2003, one Dallas area children’s hospital began receiving funds from a charitable organization, to fund a “Child Life Assistant” within their outpatient setting. The CCLS role allows for continuity of care for families that are returning to the children’s hospital outpatient clinic week after week.
This level of focus is what makes a children’s hospital unique. Nation wide, children’s hospitals have found this position to be instrumental in helping to decrease fear and anxiety amongst all family members.
Choosing Get Well Gifts For Kids
For children, you might want to give presents that they will enjoy even in their present condition. Give something that is fun, enjoyable, and easy to use that even a sick child can enjoy. If you need help, below are some ideas for get well gifts for kids.
For young girls, they would have fun playing with paper dolls even though they are sick. You can buy one whole book of paper dolls. Choose something with many different clothes.
Another great gift for a sick child is a set of coloring book, crayons or paint, and stickers. The child does not need to exert an effort coloring the pages of the book. Choose a coloring book that the child will enjoy. If the youngster loves Disney Princess or Justice League, you should choose coloring books with these drawings.
You can also give board games to a child who is not feeling well. Classic board games such as Snakes and Ladders, Checkers, and other popular board games will surely give the child something to do while he is staying at home or in the hospital. You can tell the parents that you have given the child a board game. Better yet, you can always visit the sick child and play with him if you have lots of free time.
Sick children will also enjoy putting together a puzzle. Mini puzzles with their favorite cartoon character are great get well gifts for kids. There are so many get well gifts for kids out there, especially if you go to toy stores or if you visit toy websites. Choose presents that the child will enjoy and will keep them occupied while inside their house or the hospital.
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