Balthasar children's hospice: life and laughter, dying and mourning

When parents receive the devastating diagnosis that their child is terminally ill, the world stands still. Nothing is as it once was, and everyday life is dominated by worry about the sick child. In order to support families in this difficult phase of life, the Balthasar Children's Hospice in Olpe am Biggesee - the first children's hospice in Germany. Here, families with a child suffering from a life-shortening illness find a place of security, comfort and joy - from diagnosis to farewell.

A "second temporary home" for families

The Balthasar Children's Hospice sees itself as a place where life takes center stage - even when death is inevitable. Families who come here not only experience care and support for their children, but also valuable time together, in which laughter and joy find a place. These moments are particularly important to ease the heavy burden of such a diagnosis for a while.

In addition to caring for sick children and young people, the hospice offers a "second temporary home" for the whole family. Parents and siblings can move in here to be close to their child and at the same time receive the support and guidance they need. The hospice is a safe place where worries can be shared and the journey of saying goodbye can be taken together.

The work at the Balthasar children's hospice

The Balthasar Children's Hospice offers affected families not only nursing care for their children, but also a wide range of other services that are financed by donations. The health and care insurance funds cover a large part of the care costs, but the hospice relies on donations for many other important services. These include

• Stays for parents and siblings: So that the family can stay together, relatives are also looked after in the hospice. It is a place where parents can take a deep breath and recharge their batteries, safe in the knowledge that their child is well looked after.

• Grief counseling: Saying goodbye to a beloved child is one of the most difficult tests that life can present. The hospice offers comprehensive grief counseling for parents and siblings to support them in their pain.

• Creative and therapeutic offers: In addition to medical care, the hospice offers numerous creative and therapeutic activities that help both the children and their relatives to cope better with the situation. Art and music therapy, as well as playful activities, allow the children to be children again and give the family moments of happiness and closeness.

Donations: An essential part of the work

The extensive work of the Balthasar Children's Hospice would not be possible without the support of donations. Many of the services that make the hospice so special - such as bereavement counseling or accommodation for relatives - are not funded by the health insurance funds. This is why the children's hospice relies on donations and grants to be able to offer the affected families as carefree an environment as possible.

The Wirth Foundation recently made a donation to support the work of the hospice. This support is a valuable contribution that makes it possible to continue to offer families a safe place where they can spend precious time together with their sick child.

A place of life and joy - despite the farewell

The Balthasar children's hospice is not just about death, but above all about life. The children and their families experience precious moments of laughter, play and joy here. The hospice team attaches great importance to living life in all its facets, even when death is inevitable. This approach helps families to draw strength again and again despite all the heaviness and to make the best possible use of the remaining time.

Support and donations for the Balthasar children's hospice

The work of the Balthasar Children's Hospice is inconceivable without donations. Anyone wishing to support the hospice can do so in various ways:

• Financial donations: Whether one-off or regular donations - every contribution helps to support the children and their families during this difficult time.

• Volunteer help: Volunteers too

  are very welcome at the hospice. They support the team in many areas and help to ensure that families have a carefree time.

• Support from companies: Many companies take part in fundraising campaigns or other initiatives to support the hospice. Sponsorships for certain services are also possible.

You can find more information about donation options and the work of the Balthasar Children's Hospice on the Website of the hospice.

Frequently asked questions

1. how long can families stay in the children's hospice?
The length of stay depends on the family's individual situation. Some families come for short respite stays, others stay for a longer period, depending on the needs of the child and the family.

2. which costs are financed by donations?
The care costs are covered by the health insurance companies. However, donations finance the stays of parents and siblings, grief counseling and creative and therapeutic activities for the children.

3. is it possible to support the children's hospice on a voluntary basis?
Yes, the children's hospice welcomes volunteer support in various areas, such as looking after the children, organizing activities or supporting the hospice team in everyday life.

4. how can you support the Balthasar children's hospice financially?
You can donate directly via the hospice's website or become a sponsor. One-off donations are also a valuable help.

5 What makes the Balthasar Children's Hospice so special?
The hospice places great emphasis on life, laughter and joy - even during the most difficult time of farewell. It is a place where the whole family is supported and accompanied.