At the Rotary Club of Ann Arbor North Luncheon on December 5, 2019, Lindsay Heering from C.S. Mott Children Hospital's Child & Family Life was the speaker.
Lindsay said, "A visit to the hospital can be a stressful experience for children and families. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to reduce anxiety and help you and your child feel more comfortable during your healthcare journey."
The Child and Family Life team at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is made up of trained professionals with expertise in helping reduce the stress and anxiety associated with hospitalization and illness.
The Child and Family Life team members work together with doctors, nurses, social workers and others throughout the hospital to meet the emotional, developmental and cultural needs of children and their families. Some of the special services we offer for patients and families include:
- Procedure preparation, medical play and support: Child Life specialists provide developmentally appropriate education customized to each individual child to help them prepare for a hospital experience through:
- Preparation books/pictures and medical equipment
- Collaboration with patient, family, and providers to establish coping techniques
- Rehearsal of procedure utilizing coping strategy/tools
- Distraction/coping support before, during, and after procedure
- Activity centers:
- Each activity center is staffed by Child and Family Life professionals trained in child development. They offer numerous arts and crafts, make believe items, medical play tools, board games, toys, and video games for all ages.
- Hospital school program:
- Child and Family Life at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital provides a Hospital School Program for children and adolescents. The program offers certified teachers who are on staff to assist children in keeping up with their class work and remain engaged in their schools. With family’s permission, the hospital teacher partners with the child’s school and coordinates educational efforts with school staff.
- Art therapy:
- At C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, the board-certified art therapists provide art therapy to patients and families. Art Therapy can be performed bedside or in small groups. Each art activity is designed to focus on our patients’ strengths and interests. Activities are personally tailored to provide meaningful and memorable experiences for each patient.
- Music therapy
- The Board-Certified Music Therapists provide music therapy services upon referral to patients and families during their hospitalization. Music therapy services are tailored to each child and family’s needs. The music therapist collaborates directly with the patient’s care team to provide quality and appropriate music therapy services throughout the patient’s hospitalization.
- Animal Therapy
- Animal-assisted therapy is known to have many positive effects on patients of all ages. Research shows that animal therapy can lower stress and anxiety levels, improve blood pressure, increase patient mobility, and provide an alternative focus from pain.
During the Luncheon we also presented Peg Windsor with her Paul Harris +3, Congratulations Peg.
Lastly at the Luncheon, President Eric Tindall announced a challenge. Pres Eric said, "since we have not had very many guests, that could become RCAAN Rotarians at the luncheons since the beginning of July, I am going to put up a challenge, for our members."
The RCAAN member that brings the most guests, that has potential to become a new member will receive a prize (prize to be announced soon). The challenge will last till the end of June.
The reason for the most guests attending the lunches or events is because, to get a new member they must be guests first, see what our club does, and then if happy, they will become members.
So "GET YOUR ASK ON", like PDG Jane McManus would say and lets find our newest members to help us spread Rotary causes.
