Patient and Family Support
Treatment for childhood cancer and blood disorders can mean extended hospital stays and care that lasts for years. In the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, we understand that the process can feel overwhelming for families. We’re here to help.
Our compassionate team is ready to guide you throughout your child’s treatment. Whether your child has just been diagnosed or is years into remission, we offer resources to meet your needs.
Below you’ll find an overview of some of the resources available to your child and your family. To learn more about these and other available resources, please speak with a member of your child’s care team, who can help to connect you with the appropriate person or team.
Patient and Family Resources Available at Johns Hopkins All Children's
The hospital’s Patient and Family Centered Care team offers support to patients and families that best meets their individual needs. Some of these resources include:
- Child Life specialists: Support and education to help your child understand what to expect before, during and after treatment.
- Panda Cares Center of Hope: A getaway for patients and their family during their health care journey, with resources like computers, charging stations, and more.
- Language Services: Qualified interpreters for languages other than English and for American Sign Language (ASL).
- Patient Academic Services: Academic assistance for children while they are in the hospital.
- Patient and family relations specialists: Serves as a liaison between families and the medical staff, to answer your questions and resolve concerns about your child’s care.
- Spiritual Care: Spiritual and chaplaincy support to patients and their families that honors all religious beliefs and traditions.
Preparing For Your Child’s Hospital Stay
For families whose child’s care will include a hospital stay, we provide an Inpatient Family Guide that explains things like what you can expect during your child’s time in the hospital and other resources that are available to you. The Inpatient Family Guide covers things like:
- Parents’ and guardians’ role as an important member of your child’s care team
- Visitor policies and parking information
- Safety and privacy in the hospital
- Information about patient meals and the cafeteria
- Information about your child’s room and other spaces available to you around the hospital
Additional Resources in the Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute
While your child is in our care, you and your family will have access to:
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The Center for Behavioral Health at Johns Hopkins All Children’s has pediatric psychologists who are experienced in working with patients with complex conditions. Your child’s care team can discuss available services with you and make appropriate referrals.
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Our pediatric palliative care experts work with patients throughout treatment. They help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
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There are three Ronald McDonald Houses within walking distance of our hospital. They provide temporary local housing for families who have a child in our care.
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We organize events, such as group dinners, to promote a sense of community among cancer patient families. These events are open to families who have a child receiving either inpatient or outpatient care.
Support Organizations
There are a number of organizations locally, regionally and nationally that provide a wide range of support for children with cancer or blood disorders and their families. Many offer educational, financial, emotional or other support, or opportunities to connect with other families going through similar experiences.
If you’re interested in learning more about the kinds of support available for these organizations, please speak with a member of your child’s care team about the support you’re seeking. They can help connect you with the right person or team who can guide you in learning more.
Our unit is staffed by four dedicated social workers who are available to provide support and guidance as your family navigates the challenges of having a child in need of medical care. We understand that this can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, and our team is committed to helping ease its impact. In addition to emotional support, our social workers are able to connect families with diagnosis-specific foundations, community resources, and other supportive services to help meet their needs.