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Tillery Compassionate Care has announced the beginning of The Little Friends program, which is designed to help the smallest family members of hospice patients.
When a doctor diagnoses someone you love with a terminal illness, the next step is to find a program that serves his or her medical, physical and social needs. Beyond this, those who need end-of-life care — as well as the supportive network of family members and friends they leave behind — also require emotional support to move through each tough, scary experience.
For many, stuffed animals were a special part of childhood. They were friends, comforters, confidants.
Teddy Bears have been notorious for bringing comfort and joy to people for over a century and are a friendly symbol of hope and love to children and adults alike.
Acknowledging these feelings of comfort provided by stuffed teddy bears, the Tillery Compassionate Care team will provide one bear to each child in the patient’s home. Staff are using a teddy bear to give a little comfort despite the illnesses their loved ones are experiencing. The bear is a simple reminder that they can find love and support everywhere.
“Hugging a teddy bear brings instant feelings of warmth and contentment, taking away fear and pushing away negative emotions,” said Renee Morton, DON, RN, CLE.
The goal of this initiative will play a vital role in transforming hospice visits into peaceful experiences for young people and help alleviate young children’s fears of the changes happening in their homes. By blending education with comfort and play, The Little Friends Program will leave a lasting impact on the lives of children and families alike.
In addition to the teddy bear, Tillery Compassionate Care will have other items for staff to give children when they are having a difficult day. Staff will have coloring books, crayons, small books and more available to give to children on patient visits.
Tillery will accept donations of new books, crayons, coloring books or monetary donations to the Little Friends Program.