Care for Families
We are here to offer friendship with practical, emotional and spiritual support for you, your child and your family. We hope you will feel at home with us and as your needs change we will adapt too.
Our ethos is to work in partnership with the children, young adults and their family, as well as the professionals involved in your child’s care. Our aim is to maintain your child’s routine wherever possible, ensuring their stay is as special and enjoyable as possible.
You know your child best and we will do whatever we can to help make your child’s stay as happy and as comfortable as possible. This may include any medical treatment or procedures you carry out at home.
How is the care adapted to my child?
During your first visit to Jigsaw, when you have settled in and began to relax, one of the team will ask you to explain, in as much details as you like, the daily routine and care your child is used to at home.
The information you pass on will be recorded on your child’s individual record to ensure every member of the care and medical team know exactly how you like your child to be looked after.
We also like to know how you would like your child to be cared for in an emergency.
What happens when my child stays over night?
We endeavour to provide a home-from-home environment and we try to replicate whatever night routine you have at home, when settling your child to bed and throughout the night during your child’s stay at Jigsaw.
Your child will be frequently observed, turned, fed and changed as you would at home. We like to know about the little things which comfort them, their favourite teddy, their security blanket or music. The staff always have the time for talks, cuddles and attention when your child needs it.
We have a flexible routine at night, which varies according to your child’s individual needs. Some children and young adults can sleep whereas other needs constant attention throughout the night. We are used to children waking for the day at any time and we have CDs, DVS and toys available to keep them amused should they wake early.
Can I stay with my child over night?
When your child first stays at Jigsaw you may feel anxious about what happens at night. Some parents have never left their child at night before, whilst other are more used to entrusting the care of their child to others.
You may decided you would like to stay with your child at Jigsaw. We can plan your sleeping arrangements either in the same room as your child or you may decided to give yourself a complete break at night by using the family flat upstairs. We will do our best to make you as comfortable as we can.
The Holly Bush Flat has two bedrooms (one double bed and two single beds), family bathroom and small kitchen stocked with crockery, cutlery, microwave, fridge and skink. All towels and bed linen will be provided, all you need to bring along are your personal belongings.
What will I need to bring for my child’s visit?
We do have some equipment in Jigsaw, but please bring any particular items which you feel necessary for your child’s care. If you are unsure please call the children’s hospice to check.
When you child attends Jigsaw, depending on whether it be an overnight stay or just for the day, we recommend you bring the following:
Personal Care
- Enough clothes for their stay (preferably named)
- Toiletries/wet wipes
- Swimming Attire
- Wheelchair and charger
- Splints
- Lying frame/sleep system/pressure relieving mattress
- Special toys
- Nappies and Pads
Medical Equipment
- Suction catheters/machine
- Wound dressings
- Catheters
- Prescribed feeds
- Feeding equipment
- Spare gastrostomy tubes
- Extension tubes
- Spare tracheotomy tube and tapes
- Ventilator
Medication
- Please ensure medications are clearly labelled with the correct dose and times for your child and medicine are in the original container
- WE CANNOT ACCEPT MEDICATION WHICH IS NOT CORRECTLY LABELLED IN ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER.
- Please supply enough medication for the duration of your child’s stay
What about my child’s medical care?
We know how important it is to get to know the doctors well and to feel able to talk freely to them. We have a small team of doctors who provide cover through the day, night and weekend.
Many of the children who come to Jigsaw have multiple, complex and often difficult problems. Usually, the problems are managed by their own doctors and hospital consultants and we are very careful not to interfere. However, we are often familiar with problems before of other children and young people who have stayed with us and we will always try t provide support and advice where we can.
Alternatively, we care happy for your family GP to visit your child at the children’s hospice.
What happens in an emergency?
If or any reason there is an emergency, either your child’s condition gets worse or there is a family problem, please remember we are here and we will do our utmost to help you.