The Child Life Department is led by Child Life Specialists who are dedicated to making life as normal as possible for children in the hospital. They promote family-centered health care for patients and their families and oversee activities in the inpatient pavilion’s playroom, the Ezra Abraham Living Room for teens, the children’s library, and Stay Smart University, a one-room schoolhouse developed to meet the educational needs of hospitalized children.
The staff helps children, teens, and family members through health care experiences using therapeutic activities and interventions. Preparation for medical
procedures and emotional support through diagnosis and treatment are also offered to pediatric patients throughout the hospital. They offer a school-reentry program and also provide support and preparation for children whose parents/loved ones are critical or newly diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
An Observant Jewish Patients Program for pediatric patients and their families offers pantries with refrigerators specifically for kosher food that is routinely
stocked by the Sephardic Bikur Cholim under the supervision of Rabbi Yechiel Jacobowitz. Prayer books are also available.
Observant Jewish Families Program - Dr. Margaret Fisher
Dr. Fisher talks about the special program that accommodates Observant Jewish Families.
A Pet Therapy Program was designed to enhance the healing process for pediatric patients. The use of therapy dogs has been shown to help reduce stress for pediatric
patients and their families. The Children’s Hospital’s team of volunteer handlers and therapy animals provide positive interactions that bring unconditional love from an animal to the bedside, which contributes to the emotional and physical healing process.
Pet Therapy at The Children's Hospital - Dr. Margaret Fisher
Dr. Fisher talks about pet therapy as it was started at The Children's Hospital. They have four dogs that visit the pediatric center and one in radiology. Tilly, a bulldog; Abby Rose, a schnauzer; Buddy, a yellow Lab; and Wally, a beagle. Norman is a Mastiff, has moved to Florida, but his owner has written many books about him, and they have the Norman books for the children.
Meet Tilly - Pet Therapy - Valerie Center
Tilly, the Pet Therapy dog takes the doctor/office feeling away for kids. Tilly helps the kids feel less anxious about procedures.
The Ronald McDonald Family Room is available close to
the pediatric and neonatal care areas to provide a respite for family members. Within the family room,
there are sitting areas, a television, computers, puzzles, as well as a kitchen, shower room and laundry area.
Ronald McDonald House provides accommodations for families of seriously ill children who are being treated at The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center
and other area hospitals. Monmouth Medical Center is one of only three hospitals in New Jersey served by a Ronald McDonald House.
The Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center offers wide-ranging, professionally led support groups for children, adolescents and their parents including:
