Technology enhances the Child Life experience

Thanks to your support, the newly refreshed Child Life Zone at Riley Hospital for Children is serving patients and families with a state-of-the-art play space to learn, laugh, and relax. The team also expanded its use of 3D printers to create educational models for patients, helping them better understand their diagnoses and procedures. Additionally, new iPads have been provided to Child Life specialists, enabling them to offer music for dance parties, videos for distraction, and video calls to help patients stay connected with family and friends.

Enhancing care and well-being at Riley Children’s Health

The Child Life team at Riley Children’s Health plays a crucial role in helping children and families cope with the challenges of hospitalization. Certified Child Life specialists focus on creating meaningful, positive experiences for patients, ensuring they are engaged and supported during their hospital stay. Your generosity helps fund this vital program, providing toys, games, crafts, and calming tools that allow children to engage in therapeutic play or relax during difficult moments.

These experiences help normalize the hospital environment and give patients a sense of control during a time when they may feel powerless.

In 2024, the Child Life team supported over 44,000 patients of all ages across both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing daily therapeutic activities.

Child Life specialists work closely with healthcare providers to serve the needs of Riley, including:

• Medical Play and Preparation: Helping children learn about their upcoming procedures and correct any misconceptions they may have. Using play and developmentally appropriate learning tools, they help children prepare for a procedure step-by-step.
• Procedural Support: Providing children and families practice coping skills during a procedure. Using various distraction techniques, Child Life specialists divert a child's attention from pain and lessen their anxiety. Each child has a unique set of preferences, from music and books to bubbles or toys.
• Psychosocial and emotional support: Helping children and families understand and express their feelings about the challenges of hospitalization and/or treatment.
• Developmentally Appropriate Activities: Encouraging creative expression and promote a sense of accomplishment by providing activities based on age, ability, interest and needs.

Thanks to your donations, these essential services continue to offer relief and support to families during challenging hospital stays.