What does the Jigsaw Team do?
The Jigsaw team offers quality, all- round care to children and young people who have a life-limiting or life-threatening illness.
A joint initiative between Eastern Wakefield and Wakefield West Primary Care Trusts and Wakefield Council, the Jigsaw team is made up of specialist staff who provide a package of integrated support services within the home setting.
The main aims of the service are: -
· 1 To enhance the quality of life for children and young people whilst also supporting their families and siblings
· 2 To complement the existing services available for children and young people
The Community Children’s Nurses provide holistic nursing care and support. Their involvement starts with diagnosis and follows through to symptom management, pain control and bereavement support. This incorporates working in partnership with families and other support agencies.
Teachers and teaching assistants educate children and young people in their own home. Education focuses on the individual needs of pupils whilst maintaining links with their own schools. Opportunities are provided for study, play, computing and completing work at all key stages so that children and young people can experience the same achievements as their peers.
The local authority provides an outreach service for children with disabilities. This can either be a home support service helping with physical care or providing a home-sitting service so that the rest of the family can spend some social time away from the house. Alternatively, young people can become members of the Leisure Link scheme which enables them to take part in a variety of leisure activities in the community.
Counselling and support are available to any family member to help with the emotional impact of coping with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness. This includes coming to terms with the ongoing changes to normal family life, as well as grief, loss and bereavement.