21-05-2025
Huge challenges for Cork families of children with palliative care needs
There are 64 families in Cork currently using LauraLynn's services.
LauraLynn, Ireland's only Children's Hospice has released stark findings from two new surveys looking at the many challenges faced by families caring for a child with palliative care needs.
The findings give a strong picture of the emotional, psychological, and financial impact and the unprecedented administrative burdens placed on families.
Children's Hospice Week which runs from Sunday, May 18 to Saturday, May 24 raises awareness about the lived experiences of children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
One of the surveys, carried out by LauraLynn in April 2025 unveiled the following from respondents:
• 84% feel isolated in their caregiving role.
• 90% worry about the emotional impact on siblings.
• 86% wish they had more time to be a parent rather than a carer.
• 68% find it challenging to focus on parenting.
Other findings from the survey indicated that 77% of respondents care for more than 12 hours per day, 95% feel overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities, 95% report that caregiving impacts their sleep quality and 76% care for their child through the night.
More results from the survey found that 83% worry about not spending enough time with other children, 75% find it challenging to balance the needs of siblings and 55% find the psychological impact on siblings challenging.
From a financial perspective, the survey found that 86% say caregiving impacts their finances, 83% had to give up work and 91% had to reduce work hours, 60% feel financial supports are inadequate and 63% find the financial implications challenging.
In February 2025, researchers at LauraLynn in partnership with UCD School of Psychology completed another survey to measure the administrative burden on parents.
This was the very first-time parents had been asked to voice the impact of these specific administrative demands.
They found that families spend an average total of 17.5 hours per week on administrative tasks relating to their child's care, 96% say it affects their mood, 93% report increased stress levels, 86% say these tasks negatively impact their energy levels and 71% feel less confident in their ability to cope.
CEO Kerry McLavery said: 'At LauraLynn it is so important for us to ask, listen to and understand what our families really need to make things a little bit better for them. It helps us provide the right care and support through the toughest journey whether that be at the hospice, in hospital or in the comfort of a child's home.
'Together with your support we can meet the needs of these wonderful children and families as best as possible. They deserve nothing less,' she added.
Children's Hospice Week is dedicated to raising awareness for children's hospice and palliative care in Ireland.
This year's theme is 'Every Step, Every Challenge, Together.'
This Children's Hospice Week, LauraLynn is asking the public to help bring care and colour to these families by donating.
To donate please go to
