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Understanding the Different Types of Pediatric Home Health Care Services
Posted by PHC | Blog
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains that pediatrics is the “specialty of medical science concerned with the physical, mental, and social health of children.” Not all pediatric care takes place in a hospital or medical clinic. There is a wide range of home-based pediatric care services that are available to better support medically vulnerable children in the place where they are most comfortable—they are home.
In this article, our Pennsylvania pediatric care professionals highlight the different types of pediatric home health services.
Skilled Nursing Care
Nursing care is the foundation of pediatric care. Skilled nursing may include in-home medical care provided by a licensed nurse (Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)). These services can include administering medications, monitoring vital signs, managing feeding tubes or ventilators, and wound care. Skilled nursing is ideal for children with complex medical needs.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Some children need physical therapy. Physical therapy helps kids improve their strength, mobility, and coordination. In-home physical therapists work directly with children who are recovering from surgery, an accident, or who have developmental or neuromuscular conditions. For example, a child with cerebral palsy may benefit from physical therapy.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
A cousin of pediatric physical therapy, pediatric occupational therapy supports children in developing the fine motor skills and coordination needed for daily living activities. Among other things, this can include dressing, feeding, and playing. It is especially beneficial for children with developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and physical impairments.
Speech Therapy
Speech-language pathologists are specially trained professionals who assist children who struggle with communication, speech clarity, language development, or feeding and swallowing disorders. In-home therapy allows the therapist to work in real-life settings, like during meals or playtime.
Home Health Aide Support
Home health aides provide non-medical support to children who have health challenges. Along with other services, a pediatric home health aide may help a child with bathing, dressing, grooming, and basic supervision. In many cases, home health aide services are often used in combination with skilled nursing to help parents manage the daily care needs of a vulnerable/disabled child.
Pediatric Respite Care
When a child has significant medical needs, it is often the parents who step up and provide support. Of course, that can put a lot of stress and pressure on a family. Respite care is a form of temporary relief for parents and other primary caregivers.
It allows a trained caregiver to step in and take over care duties—whether for a few hours or several days—so families can rest, attend to other responsibilities, or take time for themselves. Respite care is sometimes scheduled in advance. In other cases, pediatric respite care is provided on a short-term basis.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Pediatric Home Health Professionals Today
At Personal Health Care, our Pennsylvania pediatric home care team has the experience that you can trust. If you have any specific questions about the types of pediatric care services available at home, please call us at (610) 933-6130 to set up your free in-home health care assessment. We serve communities throughout all of Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Phoenixville, Collegeville, King of Prussia, Philadelphia, Drexel Hill, Norristown, Wayne, Radnor, and Ridley.