Warm care in the Fridolin's rainbow courtyard: A look behind the scenes

Warm care in the Fridolin's rainbow courtyard: A look behind the scenes

A highly emotional shift change in the children's and youth hospice "Fridolin's rainbow courtyard" in Radewege took place this evening at 10 p.m. After a demanding eight -hour service, Franziska Feller and Sina Lorenz handed over the rudder to Doreen Uhlig, which is affectionately called "Lotti". She has worked in a team since the beginning of the year and has a lot of experience, especially as a trained nurse and curative care nurse. Julian Schwandt, who has been there since April, is also new to her.

What is important in a children's hospice is the understanding of the special challenges that this work brings. Doreen Uhlig emphasizes the emotional hurdles that she experiences particularly after the loss of a child. The "Fridolins Regenbogenhof" offers space for eight seriously ill children and adolescents who suffer from so -called "life -limited diseases" (LLE). These are often caused by pregnancy complications or premature babies. Here the families concerned not only get support, but also the space they urgently need.

support for families

The tasks in the hospice are complex. Daily care, such as the administration of medication and probe food, are as important as reading aloud or washing the laundry. Working in the hospice is intended to offer parents valuable relief and give the siblings more attention. Doreen commutes 45 minutes from Potsdam to Radewege every day to give the children a piece of joie de vivre and enjoy this variety. She also plans to build a contact and advice center for parents and offer last aid courses.

The support for affected families, however, goes beyond working in institutions such as the "Regenbogenhof". The Deutsche Kinderhospizverein e.V. offers extensive accompaniment from the diagnosis, during life, dying and also beyond the death of the child. They contribute to families in difficult times and offer help in the form of information, personal meetings and practical support.

comprehensive care for sick children

The care of diseased children takes place in close coordination of various specialists and institutions. These are crucial to meet the specific needs of the small patients. The offered outpatient services are also significant support. They help families who have to deal with the disease, but also with the emotional challenges of everyday life after diagnoses such as mucopolysaccharidosis or cancer.

The financing of such services is mainly done by donations. Thus, the support for the families remains free of charge and does not affect other social achievements. The German Children's Hospice Association provides information about the many options that are now available in Germany to make life a little easier for the families concerned.

Doreen Uhlig, who would like to work for eleven years to retire in the hospice, has seen a lot in her career. Their goal is not only to see those affected as sick children, but also to support and accompany them in their individuality. "It's about living life, even if it is only a short time," said Uhlig. She sees herself and her team as a "helper in need" - and that makes her a valuable support for the families in the "Fridolins Regenbogenhof".