Condition · Muscular dystrophy
Home care for children with muscular dystrophy in Atlanta, with a care plan that keeps up as needs grow.
Children and teens with muscular dystrophy who are under 21 and on Georgia Medicaid can get personal care and nursing at home through GAPP. Because needs usually grow over time, the most important thing is keeping the care plan current.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Toll free (877) 891-5222
What muscular dystrophy is, in plain words
Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic conditions that cause muscles to weaken over time. Duchenne is the type most often diagnosed in childhood, but there are several others.
Many children start with trouble climbing stairs or getting up from the floor, and over the years may need a wheelchair, help with daily tasks, and in some types breathing support.
What care at home often involves
- Help with bathing, dressing, toileting and transfers as strength changes
- Safe lifting and repositioning, sometimes with a lift
- Breathing support such as BiPAP or cough assist in later stages, as ordered
- Following the care plan around heart and lung checkups set by specialists
- Keeping a steady routine that protects energy for school and family
Every child is different. Your child's doctor writes the orders, and the care plan follows them.
Why the care plan needs regular updates
Because muscular dystrophy is progressive, the help your child needed a year ago may not match today. When new equipment arrives, sleep changes or transfers get harder, tell your doctor and tell us. Updated records support a review of your child’s GAPP hours.
Teens with muscular dystrophy often need adult services right at 21. GAPP ends at 21, and adult programs have their own rules and waits. The 21 Clock lays out what to do from 16 to 21.
Which Ava services usually fit
Personal care usually comes first, with skilled nursing added as breathing or other needs grow.
- Pediatric personal care
Daily-living help and safe transfers.
- Family Caregiver
Parents paid for the personal care hours they give.
- Complex respiratory care at home
BiPAP, cough assist and suctioning when they’re ordered.
- One Day of Care checklist
Write down a full day of care before the next doctor visit.
Muscular dystrophy: questions parents ask
Can GAPP hours go up as my child’s muscular dystrophy progresses?
GAPP reviews hours over time based on documented medical need. When needs change, updated records from your child’s doctor support that review. We help you gather them.
Does GAPP cover a nurse at night for a child on BiPAP?
GAPP decides the type and number of hours from your child’s medical need and doctor’s orders. Ask us on the call and we will explain how night care is documented.
What happens to home care for a teen with Duchenne at 21?
GAPP ends at 21. Georgia’s adult programs are separate and have their own rules and waits. Start around 16; The 21 Clock tool shows the steps.
Related care
- GAPP application help
We prepare the GAPP paperwork with you and submit it.
- Pediatric home nursing (RN and LPN)
Skilled nursing shifts in your home.
- Pediatric personal care
Hands-on help with bathing, dressing, eating and moving.
- Family Caregiver
Get paid as a W-2 employee of Ava for personal care hours.
Calling is the fastest way to start.
(404) 905-7699 Call (404) 905-7699- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9am–5pm. Closed Sat–Sun.
- Toll free
- (877) 891-5222
- Fax
- (404) 891-6466
- Office
- Ava Family Services, LLC
275 Interstate North Cir SE, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30339