At Homeland Hospice, we raise our pinwheels to the wind in celebration of our heroes: children and their families.

“Our pediatric hospice program was launched out of necessity,” stated Deb Klinger, RN and Director of Homeland Hospice. “Not many hospice agencies provide pediatric care. We were contacted about a child who was referred for hospice services in a county where there were no providers willing to take a child. At this point in time we felt a need to expand our services. We worked diligently to create a dedicated program with a staff specifically certified in pediatric hospice care.”

How long has Homeland Hospice provided pediatric services?

For the past three years, Homeland Hospice has been able to assist many children and families with hands-on nursing care, as well as emotional and psychological support, the ability to access specialized durable medical equipment, as well as appliances and other types of services that are not commonly known to the public.

How does pediatric hospice differ from adult hospice?

“As with adult hospice services, pediatric hospice serves to provide an enhanced quality of life as well as symptom and pain management to our patients and their families,” added Klinger. “We treat holistically, using a multidisciplinary approach.”

The difference is that pediatric patients can still obtain the full aggressive treatment they were always receiving, but can also access supportive hospice care while fighting their disease process. If the curative aggressive treatment should fail, the relationship is already established with the hospice team to continue with the emotional support and to initiate more treatment options that are geared toward symptom management and quality of life.

In addition, family support is always a factor in hospice care, but perhaps even more delicate with parents of very sick children.

Meaning of Pinwheels

Homeland Hospice put much thought into creating a symbol for pediatric hospice. We chose the pinwheel as it represents the free, playful, hopeful spirit of children. The child and the family are at the center, surrounded by a compassionate team that spans the spectrum of caring.

For more information about our pediatric services and how we can help, please contact us.

Tamie is the assistant director of operations at Homeland Hospice, HomeHealth and HomeCare. She joined us in November, 2014.

Tamie was born in Japan, then came to the States when her father retired from the Air Force after 23 years of service. She was seven years old when she and her family moved to Dalmatia, a small town in Northumberland County. She later worked for a local manufacturer for 20 years until she finally opted to make a career change into the healthcare industry.

“I’ve always wanted to work for a non-profit and felt that healthcare is where I belong,” she says. “Surgical nursing was my first passion, but sometimes life throws a curve ball. I’m very happy in my administrative position ― it might not be hands-on but I’m able to make sure that all of our patients get the quality care they deserve, so it’s a very rewarding experience. And while my job can be stressful at times, no two days are alike and that’s one of the things that makes it so unique and enjoyable.”

Those of us who know Tamie appreciate her talent, experience and positive attitude. And though she’s not prone to talking about herself, she’s very quick-witted and a fantastic story-teller, helping make Homeland a fun, happy place to work.

Oops, we forgot to mention one other little gem in Tamie’s bio ― she’s a licensed barber. No kidding, you’ll need to ask her about that one!

On a final note, every Thursday afternoon, Tamie is featured on WINK 104 to answer questions about home care, home health and hospice. Tune in when you can but in the meantime click here to listen to a recent broadcast.