Transitional care: a parent’s
survival guide

Transitional care refers to the process of transitioning a patient from a hospital or other health care facility to their home. Usually this involves the help 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, ask yourself the following:

• Does your child need in-home nursing care?
• Which home health care agency will be involved in helping you care for your child?
• How do you plan on partnering with your home health care team?
• What will your role be in your child’s care and how can your new home health care team assist you in providing the best possible care?

A guide to preparing yourself

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Make sure the health care professionals you choose practice within state laws and guidelines.
4. Be ready to plan ahead for any time someone from your home health care team is unavailable due to illness.
5. Trust the health care team you’ve chosen. This will help allow you to focus more fully on your other responsibilities.
6. Work alongside your home health care team to develop an emergency preparedness plan.  Practice this plan together so you feel confident in times of crisis.

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’re going through.

To learn about pediatric services, please visit our BAYADA Pediatrics page.

To find an office in your area, please visit our Locations page