Six Tips For Parents Of Children Needing Pediatric Home Health Care
by Charlie Berry
Are you considering a home health caregiver for your ill or injured child? Whether your child's caregiver is a clinical specialist, a family member or a close friend, you need to consider a few guidelines that can help create a positive outcome. Here are six ways to feel empowered and prepare for your child's home health care:
1. Decide Who Is Best to Provide Home Care for Your Child
You have several options for pediatric home health care. You can hire a registered nurse, a home health aid from a professional agency, a family member or even a close friend. The question is, who should you choose?
Consider your child's needs. If he or she simply needs monitoring and administration of medication, it might be best to enlist a family caregiver or trusted friend. However, you need to be sure your family member or friend is trained in first aid and emergency measures.
Being cared for by someone your child already knows and feels comfortable with will place less stress on him or her and help your child feel secure. On the other hand, if your child needs targeted home care, such as speech, physical or occupational therapy or daily feeding tube administration, a licensed professional is probably the best way to go. Speak to your child's pediatrician to learn more about your options.
2. Prepare Your Child Beforehand
It's important to prepare your child for this next level or phase in his or her home recovery. If your child is old enough to comprehend, explain why he or she will receive home health care and how it's intended to help. If the caregiver will be someone your child doesn't know, help your child feel at ease by arranging an informal introduction before the actual child care duties begin. To help ease the transition from hospital to home health care, a pediatric social worker may provide emotional support for both parents and child.
3. Provide Detailed Information to Your Child's Caregiver
It's a good idea to compile a list of every aspect of your child's health. In order to provide the best care possible, your caregiver needs to know every detail of your child's illness, disability or injury. It also helps to inform the caregiver of your child's preferences, apprehensions and habits. Even the seemingly minor details may help the caregiver understand your child's needs all the more.
4. Modify Your Home
If your child requires special equipment during his or her home recovery, such as a wheelchair, oxygen or additional power supply, you may need to make a few changes in your home environment. This may mean making sure your home is wheelchair accessible or simply rearranging furniture. If your child's bedroom is upstairs and he or she will have difficulty using the stairs, you may need to move a convalescing bed into a lower level room.
5. Keep Documentation in a Health-Related Journal
Keep an accessible journal for documenting events or updates pertaining to your child. This should include time and dates of changes in your child's health or reactions to certain foods or medications. The caregiver and parents should keep a running list that can be communicated between everyone involved in your child's care.
6. Don't Put Your Needs on the Back Burner
Tending to the business of your child's home care is a top priority, of course. However, the daily stress can take its toll on a parent. This is why it is vitally important not to neglect your own needs and well-being. If you're overwrought with stress, you'll be no help to your child, and he or she may pick up on your anxiety.
To stay positive, seek a strong support network. Share your concerns with others in similar situations. If you are religious, talk to your clergy. Communicate with family and friends who share some of the responsibilities.
In the midst of your overseeing your child's home care, be sure to make time for yourself. Designate a time outside the home to engage in a relaxing and enjoyable activity. If you can't get away, at least spend a few hours doing something you enjoy, such as reading a good book, listening to music or watching a movie. You may find this puts you in a better frame of mind, keeping you focused and strong for your child.
For more information and tips, contact a local home health care service.
Share
About Me
I used to be skeptical about chiropractic healing. However, that was before I tried it for myself. I was in an accident that did serious damage to my back. I followed all of the doctor’s recommendations, did my physical therapy, and still didn’t feel any better. That was when I finally decided to try going to my friend’s chiropractor. It was such a relief when I finally started to feel better thanks to the great chiropractic care I received. That’s when I decided to start researching chiropractic care and how it could be used to treat different conditions. This blog contains the results of that research. If you’re looking for a way to feel better, you too may benefit from chiropractic healing. These articles will help you learn how.