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Following the pediatric palliative care model, George Mark Children’s House offers three basic types of services for children with lifespan limiting illnesses, and their families.
 Respite Services
Respite care gives parents a chance to take periodic breaks from the non-stop responsibility of home care. During these breaks, parents can have peace of mind knowing that their child is in a loving environment full of playmates and activity. Families have the option of leaving their child at GMCH for a period of time or staying with their child in one of the family suites while their child receives respite care.
Transitional Services
Transitional care is provided after a child has left the hospital but before the child is ready to go home. This stay offers a period of education and learning in order to equip the family and the primary caregivers with the skills necessary to care for their sick child at home. This training includes learning how to use equipment and provide treatments as well as how to recognize and treat symptoms. Transitional care can also include admissions to the House for pain and symptom management, thereby avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations.
End of Life Services
For children who are nearing the end of their life, our program provides the resources and support that families need to focus solely on making the most of their final days with their child. In partnership with the family, GMCH’s team of specialists works to honor and respect each family’s cultural traditions and individual care choices. GMCH strives to keep the family intact, functioning, and able to go on with their lives following the loss of a child.
Individualized case planning and coordination services are provided by an Interdisciplinary Team that includes, but is not limited to, the Medical and Program Directors, Case Managers, Social Worker (Licensed Clinical Social Workers), Spiritual Care Coordinator, Dietician, Child Life Specialist, Clinical Psychologist, and Volunteer Manager.
GMCH provides its services in a 15,000-square-foot facility located in San Leandro, California, on property donated by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. The House is a three-wing building that resembles a large family home and features two private family suites and eight patient rooms. The grounds and facilities include indoor/outdoor play areas; private and communal gardens; water, music, and art therapy rooms; computer room; non-denominational sanctuary for memorial services; and even accommodations for the family pet.
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