Home Care for a Disabled Child

Deciding whether to provide home care to a disabled child is a difficult decision. It encompasses financial concerns, the career implications for the parent staying home to provide care, the emotional well-being on the care provider, and the best course of medical treatment for the child. Researching assistance can help break down the costs, medical equipment, therapies, and the best medical care for the child. Knowing what's involved will provide a framework for the decision-making process and a place to start setting up appropriate home care.

Things You'll Need

  • Medical equipment pertinent to the child's needs

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn about the newest advances in medical technology that may allow you to provide home care for a child who, in years past, would need professional care. Children who need ventilators, for example, can now live at home instead of in an institutional setting.

    • 2
      Take measures to decrease social isolation.

      Provide opportunities for your child to participate in social situations, with family, friends and the community. Children who need home care often feel socially isolated, even from their families and their medical care providers.

    • 3

      Research your state's requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to assist your financial needs if you home care for your disabled child. Children younger than age 18 can be eligible to receive benefits, depending on her level of disability, family income and resources. Since the benefit levels vary by state, check with a local Social Security office for specific information.

    • 4
      Look for state help with substantial home care costs.

      Contact your state government to find out about state-specific programs to help parents providing home care for disabled children. California defrays associated costs with their In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. Through their Kaileigh Mulligan Home Care Program, the state of Massachusetts supports home care for severely disabled children who need nursing assistance and assistive technology.

    • 5

      Find a support group if a parent is the primary provider of home care for the child. The Journal of the European Academy of Paediatrics, Archives of Disease in Childhood, reported in 2008 that parents providing such care report a lower sense of well-being and higher level of stress than other parents. This is due to the constant day and night care necessary, which includes difficult feeding routines, hospital visits and challenging behavior.

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