January 21, 2022
The transition from pediatric care to adult care for children with special health care needs can seem overwhelming and complicated. According to the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, few young patients in the US, both with and without special health care needs, get support when it comes to transitioning from pediatric care to adult care.
If your child has special health care needs, how can you ensure that your child has the knowledge, skills, and confidence to transition to adult care?
Get an Early Start
The transition from pediatric care to adult care generally happens when the child is between the ages of 18 to 25, depending on their specific diagnosis and health care needs. However, in some cases, the process of planning for adult care can start as early as 12 years of age. If you’re unsure when you should start to work with your child to make the transition, ask your child’s doctor.
The first step in making sure that your child is ready to have more autonomy over their care is to ensure that they are knowledgeable about their diagnosis and their treatment. You can start teaching your child about their diagnosis and why they need to take treatment at an early age.
Assess Your Child’s Understanding of Their Diagnosis and Prognosis
Assessment tools, such as questionnaires, can help you and your child’s care team determine how ready your child is to transition to adult care in addition to how prepared they feel for self-managing their care. Ask your doctor about these assessments. They can help you find assessment resources as well as conduct these questionnaires with your child.
Coordinate with Your Child’s Current Team of Doctors
During the transition process, your biggest resource is your child’s current team of doctors. Consider bringing the following list of questions to your child’s doctor at their next appointment:
- At what age should my child transition to an adult care physician?
- What does my child need to learn about their condition and treatment in order to start gaining more responsibility and autonomy?
- Are there any adult care doctors who you would recommend?
- Will you please help me prepare a medical summary for my child?
- Will you please help me develop an emergency care plan for my child?
Why Is it Important to Have a Transition Plan?
Early preparation for the transition to adult care can help:
- Your child better adapt to a new team of doctors.
- Reduce the risk of medical complications.
- Prevent or eliminate redundancies in care.
- Improve the rate of treatment adherence.
- Lower the cost of healthcare.
- Improve your child’s confidence in advocating for their health.
Consider Getting Help from an At-Home Nurse
JSP Home Care Services is a New York City-based agency dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to children and adults diagnosed with a chronic illness. We’re here for you and your child as they transition to adult care. To learn more about home care services for your child in New York City, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
Sources:
