Questions to Ask While Considering Pediatric Home Healthcare

Transitioning from hospitalization to home health care, or considering an in-home pediatric provider, is a big decision. Children are most comfortable in their home with their family members, but parents are sometimes left wondering what to ask while looking for a provider. Follow this list of questions to research agencies, or use the list as a springboard for your own questions personalized to your family’s needs.

What is the Nurse’s Experience?
The nurses must have experience in pediatric care. Asking about the nurse’s level of experience will increase confidence in the nurse. Additionally, asking about the specific credentials of therapists, counselors, or other professionals is a good idea.

What are the Hours?
The nursing hours must coordinate with the needs of the child and the family. Do older children have to go to school? Does the child nap at a certain time? These are only a few factors that must be worked into the nursing schedule. Make sure you, as the family, have input regarding scheduling of professionals entering the home.

Can I Get Shift Coverage?
Everyone gets sick. What happens if the usual nurse gets sick? Can you request a specific nurse if you and your child meet one you like? It’s important to know what will happen in the event of an emergency, but it is also important to know what to do in case a nurse simply can’t make it. Someone in the family must be trained in the child’s care in the absence of a professional.

Is There a 24 Hour Line?

What if there are concerns in the middle of the night? Who can be called for help? It’s important to know who to call in the case of emergencies and it is also important to keep these numbers by the phone. Ask agencies or professionals what to do if something happens off-hours.

What If We Don’t Like a Nurse?
Not every personality matches, and it’s OK to speak up if a certain nurse is not working out. Ask what happens if you do not like the nurse or if you wish to request a different nurse. It’s important to understand you can request a different professional if you feel that is best for your family.

How is Care Communicated with the pediatrician?
How will the nurse communicate with the child’s pediatrician? How often will communication happen? What will the nurse communicate and what must the family communicate? Communication is the most important part of care; it is important to understand the lines of communication so care is complete.

What about Privacy?
How will your family’s privacy be protected? It is important to understand the policy of the professional for privacy. Most professionals are bound by privacy laws, but getting a policy in writing is always an extra level of protection. The Vancouver Home Health Care Agency can help you answer these questions, and more.
At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.

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• Pediatric Care
• Planning for home care
• questions to ask
• what does pediatric nurse
• What to expect