What is a stay at a children’s hospice like?

Story Care & therapy 29.06.2026

A stay at the children’s hospice is as individual as the families themselves. The aim is to provide relief, offer reassurance and enable families to spend valuable time together.

Many families come not just once, but regularly over several years. We always tailor their stay to the family’s current situation and needs.

Ein Kind im Rollstuhl hält ein buntes Regenbogenbild in der Hand, während ein Erwachsener ihm dabei hilft; im Hintergrund sind Malutensilien zu sehen.

Arriving at the children’s hospice

The stay begins with a gentle settling-in period. Families get to know the home, the surroundings and the team.

Together, we draw up a personalised care plan that takes into account medical, nursing and personal needs.

It is particularly important at the start to be able to find your feet at your own pace, which is why we take the time to address your questions and requests.

Daily life at the children’s hospice

Daily life at the Sternenbrücke Children’s and Young People’s Hospice does not follow a rigid schedule, but is tailored to the families’ own rhythms. At the same time, a gentle structure provides a sense of security.

A typical day might look like this:

Each family experiences the day according to their wishes – with space for rest, encounters, and special activities.

Morning routines

The day begins quietly – each family wakes up at their own pace. Afterwards, anyone who wishes to do so can meet for breakfast in our dining room. We are happy to cater to special needs and dietary requirements.

Daily routine

The morning is organised individually: games, creative activities or therapies such as music, occupational or physiotherapy are available. Clinic clowns also bring joy. This leaves time for parents and siblings, for example for joint excursions.

Lunch

From 12 noon onwards, we serve freshly cooked meals in the dining room or, weather permitting, on the terrace. Each family decides for themselves how quickly they want to eat. On Thursdays, we offer a variety of vegetarian menus on our ‘Veggie Day’.

Afternoon activities

In the afternoon, guests can enjoy the garden, playgrounds or cosy relaxation areas. Activities such as yoga, massages, aromatherapy and animal-assisted therapy are available. Siblings have their own time slot from 2 to 6 p.m., while parents can take part in workshops or seek advice. Cake or ice cream round off the afternoon.

Evening entertainment

A communal dinner concludes the day. Afterwards, there is time for individual pursuits: reading in the fireplace room, billiards in the recreation room, or films, karaoke and games in the youth room.

Night Care

At night, our experienced care team provides loving care for the children. This allows parents to sleep peacefully and recharge their batteries.

What makes a stay here special

A children’s hospice is not a hospital. It is a place where medical and nursing care are combined with a homely atmosphere. Many families find their stay here to be a blend of relief, security and shared moments that are often missing from everyday life.

Time, rather than time pressure
Personalised support, rather than rigid routines
Space for closeness, conversation and little breaks

A group of people in blue shirts sit on grass in a sunny garden, surrounded by trees and greenery, engaging in conversation.

Together for families

A life-shortening illness always affects the whole family. Siblings often find their daily lives filled with changes. Parents juggle caregiving, practical arrangements and their own emotions. At Sternenbrücke, we make a conscious effort to give everyone the space and support they need.

Learn more

Frequently askedquestions

Familien kommen aus verschiedenen Gründen zu uns in die Sternenbrücke: Der Großteil unserer Arbeit – rund 80 Prozent – besteht aus Entlastungsaufenthalten, die den Familien wertvolle Zeit zum Durchatmen schenken. Darüber hinaus begleiten wir Kinder und ihre Angehörigen in der letzten Lebensphase und stehen den Familien auch nach dem Verlust ihres Kindes mit unseren Trauerangeboten weiter zur Seite.

Nein, für die Familien entstehen keine Kosten. Etwa 55 Prozent der Pflegekosten für unsere Gäste werden von den Kranken- und Pflegekassen übernommen. Die verbleibenden 45 Prozent sowie die Kosten für die Unterbringung der An- und Zugehörigen finanzieren wir durch Spenden. So stellen wir sicher, dass alle Familien – unabhängig von ihrer finanziellen Situation – sorgsam begleitet werden können.

Initial contact for families

Do you have any questions about admission to the Sternenbrücke children's hospice, or would you like to make an enquiry about a stay? Then please feel free to contact us.

Anne Hagen & Katja Eichstaedt

Family office
040 - 81 99 12 70

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
familienbuero@sternenbruecke.de

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What is a stay at a children’s hospice like?

Arriving at the children’s hospice

Daily life at the children’s hospice