Palliative Care
Palliative care at Rady Children’s Health in Orange County, formerly CHOC, is specialized medical care for children living with a serious illness. It focuses on relieving symptoms and reducing the stress of illness to support quality of life for both the patient and the family. Care is tailored to each child’s needs and can be provided at any stage of illness—alongside curative or restorative treatments.
Palliative care at Rady Children’s is based on the needs of the patient, not on their prognosis. It may be provided at the same time as hospice and end‑of‑life care, but it is not the same as end‑of‑life care.
The Rady Children’s Difference in Palliative Care
CHOC’s Palliative Care program is here to give extra support and reduce the amount of sufRady Children’s Palliative Care team offers an added layer of support to reduce suffering and help families navigate the complexities of caring for a child with a serious medical condition. The team supports patients, the people who love them, and the healthcare professionals involved in their care.
Palliative Care services include:
- Providing initial consultations and follow‑up care in the hospital, OPI and other clinics.
- Easing pain and managing symptoms and treatment side effects.
- Supporting communication between families and healthcare providers.
- Helping identify goals of care and aligning the care team around the medical plan.
- Educating healthcare staff.
Rady Children’s is the only children’s hospital in Orange County with a dedicated pediatric palliative care program. The team provides care in both inpatient and outpatient settings and closely collaborates with each child’s specialty providers.
Palliative Care Consultations
A palliative care consultation may be helpful for patients who:
- Have a serious illness.
- Would benefit from more symptom and pain management.
- Want increased focus on improving quality of life and family support.
During a consultation, families and members of our care team would discuss:
- Goals of care
- Care preferences
- Advance care planning
- Psychosocial concerns
Frequently Asked Questions About Palliative Care
What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
Both palliative and hospice care help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. However, palliative care can be provided at any stage of a serious illness—even while receiving treatments intended to cure or prolong life. Hospice care is reserved for the end of a patient’s life. Patients receiving hospice care may also receive palliative care if needed.
Does having palliative care mean there is nothing that can be done for my child?
No. There is always something that can be done to support your child. Our team will help you identify your child’s and your family’s most important goals and will work closely with you to meet them.
How do I know if my child is in pain or has symptoms that need managing?
Our team helps families recognize signs of discomfort—such as tension around the eyes or mouth or a “worried look.” We provide both medication‑based and non‑medication strategies to help ease symptoms.
How do I cope with all of my feelings as a parent or family member?
It is completely natural to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. Our team works closely with families to offer guidance, emotional support, and compassionate communication.
Will my child be treated differently if they are connected with the palliative care team?
No, they will not. Palliative care is an added layer of support. Treatment will not be withheld simply because your child is receiving palliative care services.
If my child is already under a specialty team, will adding palliative care make things more difficult?
Not at all. The Palliative Care team’s goal is to support and advocate for your child and family while improving communication across all members of the care team.
