HOSPICE CARE

Supporting Children and Teens When a Loved One Is in Hospice

When someone important to your child is receiving hospice care, you carry two jobs at once. You are caring for your loved one and you are guiding a young person through confusing emotions. This guide offers age‑appropriate language, practical steps, and local resources so you can support children and teens with confidence.

A Glimpse: What Children Need Most

• Simple, honest information that matches their age.
• Consistent routines with small choices they can control.
• Safe ways to ask questions and express feelings.
• Connection with caring adults at home, school, and faith or community groups.

How Children and Teens Understand Serious Illness

Children do not all grieve in the same way. Understanding how thinking changes by age helps you choose the right words.

• Toddlers And Preschoolers (Ages 2-5): Young children live in the moment. Short, concrete statements work best. Reassure them that they did not cause the illness.
• School‑Age Children (Ages 6-10): Children this age ask many practical questions. They need simple explanations about the body, what will change at home, and what stays the same.
• Preteens And Teens (Ages 11-18): Older children understand more of the medical realities and may pull away or appear calm while feeling a lot inside. They want respect, privacy, and a voice in decisions.

For sample strategies by age and tips for tricky questions, see How To Talk To Children About Hospice Care.

Words To Use When You Talk About Hospice

Use clear language that avoids confusion. You can say hospice care is special medical support that focuses on comfort when a cure is not likely. It helps people rest, manage pain, and spend time with family at home. Avoid saying someone is “going to sleep” or “was taken away,” since children may take those words literally.

Helpful Phrases You Can Try

• “Grandpa is very sick. The doctors do not think the illness can be cured. Hospice care helps him be comfortable and makes it easier to be at home with us.”
• “You did not cause this. Nothing you said or did made Grandpa sick.”
• “You can ask any question at any time. If I do not know the answer, we will ask the nurse together.”

Prepare Children For a Home Visit or Facility Visit

Set simple expectations about what they might see, such as medical equipment, changes in appearance, or quiet voices. Offer a short visit first, then let the child decide if they want a longer one next time.

What to Bring

• A drawing, a photo, or a short note to share.
• A comfort item like a small stuffed animal or stress ball.
• Headphones or a book for a break if feelings become big.

Keep Routines Steady and Add Small Choices

Routines help children feel safe. Keep bedtime, meals, and school attendance steady when possible. Offer choices that provide control, such as what to wear on visit days or which picture to bring. Short daily check‑ins work well, for example asking, “What is one feeling you noticed today?”

Support For Different Feelings and Behaviors

Children may show feelings in many ways, including play, clinginess, anger, or laughter. Teens may protect younger siblings or step back to process alone.

Ways To Help

• Name the feeling and normalize it, for example, “You look frustrated. Many people feel that way when someone they love is very sick.”
• Encourage expression through drawing, music, writing, sports, or time with a trusted friend.
• Offer concrete coping tools such as belly breathing, a worry box for questions, or a short walk.

Coordinate With School and Activities

Let teachers, coaches, and counselors know what is happening at home. Ask for a point person who can watch for changes in mood or schoolwork. A simple plan for makeup work and absences can lower stress for everyone.

Include Faith, Culture, and Traditions

Spiritual and cultural practices can bring comfort and meaning. Invite your child to suggest ways to honor your loved one, such as lighting a candle with supervision, sharing a favorite recipe, or playing a meaningful song. If certain customs feel new to you, ask your hospice chaplain or social worker for guidance.

Involve Children in Gentle Ways

Children often want to help. Offer roles that match their age and comfort level.

• Choose a photo for the room or help decorate a card.
• Pick a playlist, read a short story, or share a memory.
• Help a caregiver bring a glass of water, place a blanket, or water a plant.

When To Seek Extra Support

Reach out to your hospice social worker or chaplain if you notice any of the following for more than a few weeks: ongoing sleep problems, withdrawal from friends, frequent physical complaints, big changes in school performance, talk about self‑harm, or use of alcohol or drugs. Early support can prevent problems from growing.

After a Death: Gentle Grief Support for Children and Teens

Grief is not a straight line. Children may revisit strong feelings at birthdays and holidays. Keep the conversation open. Continue routines, share memories, and invite questions. Your hospice offers bereavement support for at least 13 months, which can include individual calls, support groups, and referrals to community counselors.

Simple Ways To Remember

• Create a memory box with photos and keepsakes.
• Plant a flower or tree in a patio pot.
• Cook a favorite meal and tell a story about your loved one.

Common Questions Families Ask

Should My Child Attend The Funeral Or Memorial?
Yes, if they wish to attend. Explain what will happen, who will be there, and where they can take a break. Give them a choice and a supportive adult to stay nearby.

What If My Teen Does Not Want To Talk?
Offer brief check‑ins and respect privacy. Invite a trusted adult, counselor, or faith leader to connect. Many teens prefer text messages or a short drive to talk.

How Do We Handle Big Emotions At Night?
Keep a simple bedtime routine. Add a calming activity like reading together, a short prayer or reflection, or quiet music. Remind your child that feelings come in waves and that you are available.

Local Resources in the Atlanta Area

• Hospice Bereavement Services: Our team offers grief counseling, support groups, and referrals. Ask your nurse, social worker, or chaplain for details.
• School Counselors: Contact your child’s school to request short‑term support and a plan for absences.
• Community And Faith Partners: Many congregations and community centers have youth programs that support grieving children.

Talk With a Hospice Care Team Today

You do not have to navigate this alone. Our team supports families in Athens, Atlanta, Duluth, Gainesville, Kennesaw, and Newnan with age‑appropriate guidance and grief resources. Call us at (404) 921‑3341 or visit our contact page to guide your family with care, clarity, and respect.