When it comes to superheroes, they don’t always wear capes. The staff at Children’s Hospital of Michigan are not only easing their pediatric patients' physical pain, but using creative ways to help take it all away.
“We have our Child Life specialist, and our Child Life assistants, who see patients at bedside helping to explain test and procedures, diagnoses, and really help to make a hospital experience less stressful for patients and families.” said Maureen Stys, Manager for the Child Life Program at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.
She said the specialists use different methods to help children who are in the hospital feel comfortable and as normal as possible. One thing they do is use something called medical play; where the child holds a cloth doll and performs treatment on them, like giving a pretend shot. This, she said, helps ease the fear for kids in what can be a scary situation.
They also provide creative art therapy, school, music, video games, yoga, STEM services and more, all which can be done bedside.
This is all made possible through donations made to the Children’s Foundation. If you would like more information on how you can donate, please click here
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