518761532
Doctors and nurses see in the hospital what parents know in their hearts: That the consequences of a child’s illness go far beyond the physical. Children experiencing illness, injury, disability or hospitalization undergo a barrage of confusing and painful treatments. Fear undermines their recovery, and anxiety ripples throughout the whole family. The impact can reverberate for years to come.
The Child Life profession dates to the 1920s, as medical professionals began to understand the psychosocial effects of illness and injury on children. Emotional health, they realized, was the wellspring of physical health. At heart, the concept of Child Life hasn’t changed since those years. Kids need to be kids, no matter where they are or what they’re undergoing. They need to play and enjoy life. They need someone to see this scary world of machines and needles through their eyes, helping them cope with whatever comes next.
Today’s Child Life Programs incorporate an array of sophisticated elements, all based on our knowledge of child development. They are installed in children’s hospitals, pediatric units, clinics, emergency rooms, camps for children with chronic illnesses, rehab centers and even dentists’ and doctors’ offices.
“Because children process information from the world around them much differently than adults, they have distinct needs for managing the effects of stress and trauma,” writes the Association of Child Life Professionals (childlife.org). “Without the assistance of a professional who understands their unique perspective, children of all ages may experience emotions such as fear, shame, confusion and loneliness, which can inhibit their natural development and have lasting negative effects on their wellbeing.”
Child Life Programs are considered so important that they’re even a key quality indicator in hospital rankings. The American Academy of Pediatrics has endorsed Child Life Programs as a vital element in delivering effective care. The academy cites studies showing that hospitalized children who benefit from Child Life Programs show less emotional distress, are better able to cope and more clearly understand the procedures. Fear is diminished, and recovery is improved.
What parent wouldn’t want that for a child who is ill or injured? Of course, not just anyone can deliver all these benefits. Certified Child Life Professionals hold bachelor’s degrees and must complete 10 specific courses relating to child development, play and family systems. They perform 600-hour clinical internships, directly supervised by certified Child Life Professionals. Finally, they earn certification through a four-hour exam. Certification must be renewed every five years.
When children are in health care settings, Child Life Professionals help keep life as normal as possible. They encourage kids to play and be expressive. They are trained in explaining procedures in age-appropriate fashion. They partner with doctors, nurses and other providers to meet the unique needs of each and every family. They can even be there during procedures, providing support and distraction that help medical treatment go smoothly.
Establishing a Child Life Program in the Lancaster General Health Pediatrics Department dovetails perfectly with United Auxiliaries’ newfound mission of supporting programs that directly benefit patients. UA has pledged to deliver a first gift of $500,000 this year.
Working with hospital and Pediatrics Department officials, UA plans to support a team of Certified Child Life specialists at Lancaster General Health.
“We want to help patient and families cope with their medical experiences,” says UA volunteer Carol Reichler, who is also chair of the showhouse next month that will be the major fundraiser for this program. “Children, especially, are very fearful of going to the hospital. We want to use play and preparation, education and self-expression activities to help normalize their hospital experience.”
Already, UA has raised $97,000 through its annual United Fore Golf tournament, and the 2017 Designer Showhouse at Pineapple Manor will raise funds to support Certified Child Life Professionals at Lancaster General Health. Reichler is confident that “there’s a whole host of things this can blossom into.”
“We are very excited to offer this opportunity to the community and to raise awareness of the greater needs of our children and their families in stress and distress in times of disease diagnosis or critical surgery outcomes. This program will have far-reaching positive outcomes for years to come!”
Here’s how you can help—and be inspired too
The United Auxiliaries to Lancaster General Hospital & Benchmark Construction present Designer Showhouse at Pineapple Manor
Nov. 2-12, 2017
Special Showhouse Events to Include:
- Matilda Jane Fashion Show
- Storytelling & “Poppy Mayberry"
- Book Signing
- Family/Children's Photographs
- Children’s Art Activities
- Home Décor—How to Refresh Your Space
- Landscape & Rain Garden Design
- Cooking Demonstrations
- Holiday Tablescaping with
- Special Occasions
See design inspirations from these local partners:
AK Interiors, David Lyall Home & Design, Eshelman Mill Gardens & Landscape, Henrietta Heisler Interiors, Interiors Home, JKS Co., Martin Appliance, muralist Suzanne Rende, Penn Stone, Savannah House, Steiner-Houck and Associates, The Gilded Lily, Tom Henman Decorative Painting, Two Dudes Painting Company and York Wallcoverings
General tickets: $20
For more information and tickets visit:
lancastergeneralhealth.org/LGH/Our-Services/United-Auxiliary/Events/Holiday-Showcase.aspx