Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care is a partnership between you, your child, your existing physicians and treatment team, and our Four Seasons Riversong team. Our goal is to provide life-enhancing care, so that your child can focus on being a child.
When we meet with you the first question we ask is “What’s Most Important to You?” We listen to your goals, your child’s wishes and work with your existing treatment teams to provide additional care that can make a positive impact on quality of life. Our care not only helps your child be more comfortable physically, but also provides emotional and spiritual care. We also support the caregiver(s) and family with training and resources.
PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE
Palliative Care can enhance your child’s quality of life, helping them to concentrate on being a child.
Pediatric Palliative Care helps parents have more peace of mind, and allows children to have more moments to concentrate on being a child. This specialized care is a key part of care for children living with a serious illness. We help your child manage pain and provide relief from symptoms like trouble breathing, difficulty sleeping, depression, loss of appetite, and others that may accompany their serious illness. We also provide support to the caregiver and whole family. We collaborate with your providers, giving you that extra layer of support, timely response, and help in navigating your child’s care options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Palliative Care
Who is Eligible for Pediatric Palliative Care?
Pediatric Palliative Care is for children up to age 21 who are living with a serious illness including cancer, genetic disorders, neurologic disorders, heart and lung conditions, and others. Palliative Care is not hospice, and is a specialty that helps address symptoms of a disease while your existing specialists treat the disease. Ask your provider about Palliative Care or you can request it directly at 866.466.9734 or Request Care online.
Who is on the Palliative Care Team?
Your Palliative Care Team consists of a Provider (Physician, Physician Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner), Healthcare Social Worker, and others. We partner with your child, family, and your existing healthcare team or specizlists. We listen to what’s important to you and work with you to create a plan. Additionally, we can assist in moving to and from hospitals if your child’s illness requires, providing consistent care during these difficult transitions.
Where is Palliative Care Provided?
We provide care in our Palliative Care clinics located in Asheville, Flat Rock, Andrews, and Franklin, NC, and we also provide care wherever your child calls home, whether that is in a private home, hospital, or other environment.
How Do I Pay for Palliative Care?
Palliative Care is billed like any other specialty and is paid for by commercial insurance, Medicaid, private pay, and through the Four Seasons Foundation for those in need who meet eligibility requirements.
PEDIATRIC HOSPICE CARE
Hospice Care provides comfort and support so that you can make the most of your moments together.
Pediatric Hospice Care is focused on providing comfort to your child, and support to your family so that you can spend quality time together truly living during this season of life. Our priority is to provide care that aligns with your wishes, while enabling your child to stay in their own home if possible. In addition to pain relief and symptom management, we incorporate supportive measures such as music therapy and pet therapy, along with care for both you and your child’s emotional wellbeing.
Who is Eligible for Pediatric Hospice Care?
Pediatric Hospice Care is for children up to age 21 with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Pediatric patients may still be receiving curative treatment while receiving Hospice Care. To request care, call 866.466.9734 or Request Care online.
Who is on the Hospice Care Team?
Your child’s Hospice Care Team will include a Physician who is Board Certified in Palliative and Hospice Care, an RN Care Manager, Healthcare Social Worker, Chaplain, Music Therapist, and a volunteer who work together to manage the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of your child, their siblings and other family members.
Where is Hospice Care Provided?
We provide care wherever your child calls home, whether that is a private home or hospital, and, if symptoms cannot be managed elsewhere, at the Four Seasons Inpatient facility, Elizabeth House. Hospice Care is provided in counties we serve.
How Do I Pay for Hospice Care?
Hospice Care is paid for by commercial insurance, Medicaid, private pay, and through the Four Seasons Foundation for those in need who meet eligibility requirements.
Are there Counseling Resources?
In addition to our Hospice Care services, Four Seasons offers Grief Services for siblings, parents and family. Our services include group and individual counseling, with special emphasis on adolescent grief counseling through our Compass Program. These services are provided at no cost to you because of support from our Foundation.
HOW are Pediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Care Different?
Palliative Care is available to your child during advanced stages of a serious illness, while Hospice Care focuses on care during the child’s final six months of life. Some children receive Palliative Care for many years and then no longer require it.
Why Choose Riversong?
We Make House Calls!
Our services are provided to your child, wherever they call home, by our highly trained Physicians, Nurse practitioners, Physician Assistants, Nurses, CNAs, Social Workers, Spiritual Counselors, and Volunteers.
We are Experienced and Honored
Riversong is part of Four Seasons, an award-winning organization that has been serving Western North Carolina since 1979. Our organization achieved Deemed Status by the Joint Commission, received Five Stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2026 as well as Hospice Honors Elite, the Circle of Life Award and others.
We Offer Innovative Therapy
Our whole-person care includes Music Therapy and Pet Therapy in addition to grief counseling.
We Provide QUALITY Care
Our quality outcome scores rank above the national average scoring 24 out of 24 regarding the experience of care.
