Anticipatory Grief in Pediatric Hospice: Making
Memories and Building Legacies

Video Runtime: 16 Minutes

This course explores how to navigate the complex emotional landscape of anticipatory grief by intentionally facilitating memory-making activities. Children in end-of-life care often possess varying developmental levels and specific interests, which can complicate standard communication and support strategies. Healthcare professionals, particularly those in pediatric hospice and homecare settings, need specialized strategies to infuse routine visits with joy and meaningful legacy-building. This course equips students with practical, age-appropriate techniques for integrating visual, auditory, and tangible memory projects into their care plans. By learning to identify family interests and respect cultural preferences, practitioners can collaboratively design legacy activities that provide comfort both now and in the future. Through guided scenarios and debriefings, participants will enhance their communication skills and learn how to help families cultivate lasting sources of support.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify three age-appropriate legacy-building activities
• Differentiate with the family which activities are the most meaningful as they discuss their anticipatory grief
• Build legacy-building into home visits