(415) 927.2273

By the Bay Health

Pediatric Care

We offer pediatric palliative (comfort) care and hospice care for infants, children, and teens coping with chronic, serious, or life-limiting health conditions. Also branded as By the Bay Kids®, our in-home pediatric services are designed to make these young patients as comfortable as possible — and to provide practical and emotional support to their families and caregivers.

WORKING WITH PARENTS OR GUARDIANS AND A FAMILY'S OWN PHYSICIAN, OUR STAFF WILL:

  • Create a plan of care unique to each child and family

  • Discuss care and treatment options with parents so they can make informed decisions

Unique to Pediatric Care, patients will continue to receive all curative and other medical treatments while cared for by our specially trained pediatric team.

Pediatric patient stories

Service Areas

We offer Pediatric Care in the following counties: 

Alameda (Palliative Care only)

Northern San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma with some coverage in Napa, American Canyon and Vallejo (Hospice and Palliative Care)

Eligibility and Referral

Anyone -

Family, physician, clinical staff member, clergy ,or social worker — may make a referral by calling (415) 927.2273. For the Partners for Children Waiver Program, referrals must go through California Children’s Services (CCS).

Visits

During our visits, the care team provides patients with:

  • Pain and symptom management
  • Medical care, including medical supplies and equipment, and hospice medications
  • Counseling about practical issues, including your health care wishes, planning for your financial needs, and tapping benefits or additional support from other agencies
  • Help ensuring your physical safety in your living environment
  • Personal care, including bathing and dressing when needed

Team members also offer patients and their families

  • Education about end-of-life
  • Caregiver education and training
  • Emotional counseling and grief support
  • Interfaith spiritual comfort
  • Child Life, music and massage therapies

In addition to scheduled visits, our nurses are on-call 24/7, to answer questions or make an emergency visit. We can help you find around-the-clock caregiver support or other outside resources as needed.

Our professional staff provides care to the patient and works with the patient’s family or caregivers to train them in the skills they need to follow a care plan. You will also have access to our advice nurses 24/7 after-hours and on weekends. Our Pediatric Care Team emphasizes patient satisfaction in all they do.

comfort and support

Pediatric Care Team

Physician/ Nurse Practitioner

Participates in ongoing discussions with your nurse and care team about the best medical care to meet your individual needs.

registered nurse

Visits regularly to assess your general condition and provide pain and symptom management, including the use of medicines.

social worker

Provides practical and emotional support, including access to agency, community, legal, and home care resources.

Home Health aide

Addresses personal care needs, including bathing, skin and oral care, toileting, moving and walking, and changing linens.

Spiritual Support Counselor

Provides comfort through secular counseling, inspirational reading and prayer, and coordinating support with preferred local spiritual group.

Grief Support Counselor

Offers anticipatory grief counseling and follow-up support for family members who have lost their loved one.

Payment

Reimbursements may be sought from Medi-Cal or private health insurance. However, no one is turned away from our Pediatric Palliative Care program due to lack of insurance or inability to pay.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pediatric Care

What is By the Bay Kids?

Our By the Bay Kids program supports infants, children, young adults, and their families through serious disability and/or life-threatening illness. We offer home-based pediatric palliative care coordination and pediatric hospice care to address the unique needs of young patients and their families.

What’s the difference between pediatric palliative and hospice care?

Palliative care typically supports children with life-limiting and potentially life-threatening illness who may be expected to live for many years. Our palliative care program is a care coordination program, adding an extra layer of support to the primary and specialty teams already involved in the child’s care.

 

Hospice care is traditionally for children who may have a life expectancy of six months or less. Our hospice team works with the child’s providers to optimize comfort, and pain and symptom management in the home.

 

Our dedicated team of pediatric experts focuses on quality of life for the whole family as we manage the child’s symptoms. Clinicians always tailor care to the family’s personal needs, values, and goals. 

 

Talk with your physician or call us to learn which type of care is right for you.

Can my child continue receiving curative treatment while using hospice care?

Yes. Unlike adult hospice care, most children can continue to receive potentially curative or illness-oriented treatments, like chemotherapy, while receiving hospice services and support. 

Can my child receive care in a facility?

Yes. We provide care at home, in a hospital, or in a facility.

How will you support my family?

Our pediatric team specializes in helping people of all ages navigate a child’s illness. We ensure families understand the diagnosis and what to expect in the future and help the family cope with fear and uncertainty. Clinicians provide emotional support and training for family and friends to provide care between visits and can connect you to a wide variety of community resources. We also offer special support and programs for siblings, who can often feel left out.

Will insurance pay for my child’s care?

Some insurance plans and Medi-Cal cover the cost of pediatric services. We strive to ensure that no one is turned away due to lack of insurance or inability to pay, so please call us to learn more or if you have concerns about your child’s coverage.

additional questions?