My Child Is in Rehabilitation: Do They Qualify for Home Health Care?

Many children with complex medical needs or disabilities require surgery or other treatments that can confine them to a bed or wheelchair for extended periods. However, this often requires parents to take time off work or seek additional support through home health care.

Because every state handles home health care differently, many parents wonder whether their child qualifies. 

At Little Angels PPEC, with locations in Longwood, Orlando, and Apopka, Florida, our team offers home health care to infants, children, and teens.

This article explains how pediatric home health care works, breaks down who qualifies in Florida, and outlines alternative care options, so your child can get the help they need.

Understanding pediatric home health care

Pediatric home health care is a Medicaid service that provides ongoing medical support in the comfort of your own home. This allows children with complex medical needs or disabilities to receive the support they need without having to visit a hospital or rehab facility.

Our home health team offers various services, including:

• Medical therapy
• Skilled nursing
• Medication management
• Ongoing monitoring of health conditions
• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)

Together, these services provide peace of mind and help ensure your child receives ongoing care and support, so you can go to work or complete other responsibilities. 

Understanding who qualifies for home health care

Every state has different eligibility requirements for home health care services. Here in Florida, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration makes these decisions.

 If your child is a Medicaid recipient, they will likely qualify if:

• They’re under the care of an attending physician, and their physician has prescribed home health care services.
• They have a medical condition or disability that limits their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), and a parent or guardian is unable to provide this care.
• They require health services that can be performed safely, effectively, and efficiently at home or in another authorized setting.

To view the full list of home health care requirements, click here.

If you have additional questions after reviewing the Medicaid criteria, our team will be happy to help.

What to do if your child can’t receive home health care

Many parents of special needs children need to return to work or manage other responsibilities. If you find yourself in this situation and are unable to supervise your child at home, medical daycare provides another supportive option.

With medical daycare,  your child can receive all the support they need, including nursing, medication management, and assistance with activities of daily living. We can even provide medical transportation if they need to attend a doctor’s appointment or visit a specialist.

See if your child qualifies for home health care

To learn more about the benefits of home health care or medical day care, contact the nearest Little Angels Pediatric Extended Care office in Orlando, Apopka, or Longwood, Florida. 

After learning more about your family’s situation, we can make personalized recommendations that align with your goals. 

To get started, call or book your appointment online today.