According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, surveys estimate that at least 500,000 children in the U.S. receive some type of home care services. As a result, the need for pediatric home health services has grown significantly in recent years. Medicaid pays for more than 75 percent of all pediatric home health services, and unlike adults enrolled in Medicaid, children with disabilities are entitled to receive more comprehensive services related to their conditions. You can find appropriate home care for a disabled child with some basic steps.
Step 1
Contact the Department of Health in your state to determine the programs for which your disabled child qualifies. Ask for a list of any programs or non-medical services, which are offered to families with children who are receiving disability benefits and/or are Medicaid-eligible.
Step 2
Inquire about the various home care services available so that you can select those that will meet the needs of your disabled child and your family. If your child has a disability that requires ongoing medical care or supervision, he may qualify to receive services performed by a nursing assistant or home health aide.
In addition, some states offer a range of other services intended to help the entire family. For example, in Nebraska, if you have a child with a disability, a parent qualifies to receive training in how to care for your child's special needs. You might also be able to receive childcare for siblings for those times when your chronically ill or disabled child is hospitalized or scheduled for a medical procedure.
Step 3
Interview several different home health agencies. In some cases, your insurance provider may specify which agencies you can use. Check with your health insurer to find out specifically what type of health services are covered under the plan and how much of the cost the insurance will pay. This will help you to decide what services your family can afford before you begin the process of finding a home care provider.
Step 4
Research the background and reputation of each agency you consider. MayoClinic.com recommends verifying that an agency is fully-licensed to practice in your state. Ask if the agency holds government accreditation.
Step 5
Request a list of the services each agency offers so that you know whether it provides the services your child needs. Many agencies will have a nurse visit your child periodically even if she is primarily cared for by nursing assistants or home health aides. Since some children also receive physical therapy or occupational therapy in the home, ask if an agency works collaboratively with other health care professionals.
Step 6
Find out what general training an agency's direct care providers are required to have. Question whether the home health care agency provides additional training and continuing education for its staff.
Once a nurse and home health aide have been assigned as part of the care team involved in your child's case, ask how long each has been working in the field of health care, in addition to how long she has been employed by that particular home care agency.
Step 7
Ask if the nursing assistant has experience working with children, as well as if he has previous experience caring for individuals with the same disabilities affecting your child.
Step 8
Check that the home health agency prepares a care plan for your child. Make sure that the home care worker documents your child's condition throughout the day, particularly noting any changes or areas of concern. Find out what emergency services the home care agency offers and the procedure for any emergencies that occur with your child's health or in the home.
Tips and Warnings
- Under the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment service, limitations on the amount, duration and extent of coverage do not apply to children on Medicaid, providing the state deems home health services necessary. If your child is receiving Medicaid benefits, many of the restrictions that apply to adults are waived for a disabled child.
