Around 19.2% of US children have conditions that result in special healthcare needs. And almost 240 million children around the world have some kind of disability. Majority of children with disabilities struggle in just one functional domain. (1) (2)
But, when these functional difficulties are paired with psychological complications, like neuromuscular disease or neurological impairments, that’s where long-term pediatric care can come in handy.
Pediatric long-term care services are here to offer exceptional care to young patients with complex medical ailments. In addition, they are ensuring that the emotional and medical needs of the child are being met. This is a detailed guideline of what long-term pediatric care brings to the table. And how it can benefit both the child and their parents.
For Children in Need of Long-Term or Extended Care
Deciding to place a child in long-term care can be downright overwhelming. But, this is a step worth taking, especially when the child is in the hands of skilled experts who will take care of their long-term medical needs. (3)
That’s where pediatric long-term care facilities can help turn the tide. They provide dynamic, uniquely-tailored settings and complex care delivery systems for ultimate child and family interactions. In a welcoming and warm atmosphere, the child can enjoy their life to the fullest.
Pediatric long-term care facilities are designed to offer 24/7-hour care for children with:
● Neurological impairments
● Neuromuscular diseases
● Complex seizure disorders
● Degenerative disease
● Stopped or slowed growth
● Orthopedic conditions and anomalies
● Critical airways (like a recent tracheostomy)
● Chromosomal disorders
● Dependency on a mechanical ventilator
● Premature birth complications
● Complications from microcephaly
● Craniofacial anomalies
● End-stage disease (terminal illness)
● Other long-term care needs
The Advantages of Long-Term Care Services
Young patients with more than a single chronic ailment, typically struggle with functional impairments. In addition, they tend to be technologically dependent. Such as using ventilators to breathe and medical equipment to make sure their health is in good shape.
Pediatric care paves the way for numerous opportunities and benefits. With the proper support, even the most medically fragile patients can boost their quality of life, regardless of their developmental disabilities or life-limiting ailment. Take a look at the several advantages that come with long-term care services in the pediatric unit. (4)
Personalized Care
Experts working in this type of facility are capable of addressing the specialized needs of children and young patients who require rehabilitation and extended medical care. Getting enrolled in long-term pediatrics care becomes that stepping stone in the patient’s life and eases the burden on parents.
With a team of skilled healthcare practitioners, it becomes easier to navigate complicated medical needs. However, when it comes to managing and treating serious health conditions, such as complex seizure disorders or neurological impairments, it’s critical to have a medical professional at your disposal.
Children with special needs need exceptional care to help mitigate their health problems. Long-term care services provide individualized and comprehensive care that’s difficult to duplicate without expert help. The patient receives adequate services regularly. (5)
Practicality
Many patients enrolled in long-term care have a history of congenital disabilities, serious medical disorders, trauma, or other health problems. They tend to have more than one health issue, which is getting in the way of their day-to-day lives.
There is no need for parents to try and wrap their minds around how to manage a complex health disorder. Long-term care services are a convenient approach for eliminating unnecessary stress. Every patient receives individual attention, and parents can rest assured knowing that their child is in good hands.
Better Quality of Life
Children with complex medical needs need a safe space to grow and thrive. But, when living with craniofacial anomalies or serious congenital disabilities, working closely with qualified health experts comes a long way. This is where long-term care services can help.
The medical team will put the patient in an environment where they feel comfortable and at ease. Children are surrounded by positive individuals and loved ones who fill them with joy. Regardless of the circumstances or medical ailment, the child will get the boost in quality of life that they deserve with specialized handling.
How Is a Child Cared For?
Every disability can be turned into a unique ability. The welcoming, comfortable, and warm atmosphere merge nursing, medical, and therapeutic care with a wide range of activities designed to encourage children to enjoy their life and thrive.
Each patient gets access to very efficient care for their disabilities or medical ailments. And everything is carried out to give families a helping hand. Medical experts in the field understand how difficult it is to live with complex health conditions. But, every challenge can be overcome.
This means adopting a comprehensive healthcare plan. When treating children with serious medical complications, it’s essential to give them a positive perspective in life, even when doing the simplest tasks. Some children are capable of increasing their independence, while others need an extra helping hand.
Specialized medical care is tailored towards each individual. It’s involved in their daily activities, such as growing, learning, and playing. Meeting with the staff can help you gain a better perspective of what to expect with long-term care services. And how they would benefit your child. (6)
Who Is Working With Children in Need of Long-Term Care?
To accommodate the needs of every patient, a pediatric long-term care facility takes a comprehensive approach to care—all to create a nurturing and reassuring environment that betters the physical and psychological health of the child.
The goal is to provide continual monitoring, therapeutic activities, and individualized care plan. Families can also participate in different activities and become a key component in the child’s growth. In these facilities, a team of professionals is dedicated to providing patients the ultimate quality care.
That includes a board-certified medical team featuring pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists, and in/outpatient physicians. When handling complex medical ailments, it’s also essential to have rehabilitation and physical medicine specialists.
Alongside an experienced nursing team capable of working with various ailments, therapeutic care is also an integral process of long-term care services. That means having access to a recreational, physical, and speech therapist. In addition, patients can participate in therapeutic activities, like the cuddler program, music therapy, switch toys, and more.
Conclusion
A child with complex medical disorders can highly benefit from long-term care services. In cases such as these, comfort and safety remain a top priority. Children need to feel at ease so that they can better manage stress and anxiety. There are plenty of advantages when it comes to seeking long-term care services.
They can boost the child’s quality of life, offer personalized care, and bring added convenience. With the right medical expert by your side, your child can make the most of these services. Besides, just a little bit of help comes a long way. And long-term assistance can act as a starting point for a healthier and more fulfilling life.
