Health Information
Hospital News
Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Related Services
Support for Patients and Families
We are sensitive to the enormous emotional, financial, and social pressures that accompany treatment for cancer or other serious blood, genetic or immune disorders. Social workers, psychologists, and child life specialists are available to each patient and family. They understand just how disorienting, helpless, and frightening the patient and family members might feel at times.
Prior to procedures, our child life specialists take patients on a tour of the surgical facilities to help familiarize them with what to expect. Therapeutic play and social activities are used to help the children understand their disease and its treatment. Techniques, such as guided imagery, help them regain a measure of control.
Trained and experienced social workers also help patients and families find safe and constructive expressions for their pent-up feelings and emotions. They help parents cope with the unique emotional and psychological demands of having a child with cancer. They often explain complex medical events taking into account the specific culture, language and values of a patient and family. Social workers can also arrange for visits by chaplains of various faiths.
BMT staff, which include child life specialists, pediatric BMT social workers, pediatric psychiatrists and psychologists, and school reintegration specialists, help address the many issues that may arise. They advise parents on how to care for the convalescing child, how to operate home health care equipment, and offer guidance on proper nutrition. They can also direct parents to support groups of other parents in similar situations, and provide resources to help solve practical and logistical challenges, such as locating local housing, obtaining financial assistance, transportation to and from the hospital, and reintegration into school.
Among the support services are:
- a comprehensive physical therapy program
- integrative therapies program, such as Reiki, aromatherapy, guided imagery and other complementary therapies
- support groups for patients and/or families
- Carol Ann's Library providing education and information specifically for children with cancer
- local housing
- financial assistance
- transportation assistance
- services for international patients
Contact
- Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplantation
-
Directions
(212) 305-8316
