Pediatric Home Care: Transitioning Your Child from Hospital to Home

Transitional care refers to the process of transitioning from a hospital or other health care facility to home. Usually this involves the support of health care professionals that will ensure the continuity of your child’s care.

Preparing to transition a child with complex medical needs home can be a daunting process.

The following is a guide to help you prepare to share your caregiving role with home health care professionals in a way that meets your child’s medical needs.

Sharing the caregiver role

As you prepare to take your child home, consider the following:

1. Can you benefit from in-home nursing care?
2. Which home health care agency will be involved in helping to care for your child?
3. How can a home health care team assist you in providing the best possible care?

A guide to preparing yourself

A good pediatric home health care team can support you and your family, helping to meet your child's on-going medical needs. At the same time, you can support your home care team to ensure the best possible care for your child.

• You know your child best. Your in-home health care team will count on you to help them learn about your child, their likes and dislikes, as well as their preferred routine of care

• Your child’s in-home health care team should have undergone rigorous training specific to your child’s age and diagnosis. With that said, remember that every child has unique needs

• Make sure the health care professionals you choose practice within state laws and guidelines

• Be ready to plan ahead in case someone from your home health care team is unavailable 

• Trust the health care team you’ve chosen. This will allow you to focus more fully on your other caregiving responsibilities

• Work alongside your home health care team to develop an emergency preparedness plan. Practice this plan together so you feel confident in case of emergency

Tips from other parents caring for a child with special needs:

1. Know what your needs are and clearly communicate them with your home health care team.
2. Educate yourself on your child’s diagnosis, including the signs and symptoms of your child becoming ill.
3. Have a list of “household dos and don’ts” and communicate them to your home health care team.
4. Work with your home health care team to develop a schedule for your child so they can maintain a consistent routine.
5. Use a dry erase or chalkboard to communicate and organize things like when to order new supplies.
6. Educate your family, friends, and home health care team about how to comfort your child and other nuances.
7. Accept help when it’s offered and use that time to rest and recharge your batteries.
8. Keep a running list of questions for your physician so you aren’t forced to remember in the moment and no question is left unanswered.
9. Maintain a calendar to help you plan all of your appointments, errands, and tasks.
10. Reach out to other parents in your situation for support. They understand what you are going through.

If you are caring for a child with special needs, home health care can help, contact us today.