Condition · Spinal cord injury
Home care for children with a spinal cord injury in Atlanta, with nurses who know the daily routines that keep kids safe.
Children under 21 on Georgia Medicaid who need medical care or daily hands-on help after a spinal cord injury can get it at home through GAPP. Spinal cord injuries are one of the conditions Ava names in its mission since 2016.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Toll free (877) 891-5222
Spinal cord injury in children, in plain words
A spinal cord injury interrupts messages between the brain and the body below the injury. Depending on where the injury is and how complete it is, a child may lose movement, feeling, and control of some body functions.
Higher injuries can affect breathing and may need a ventilator. Lower injuries often mean a wheelchair and careful daily routines.
What care at home often involves
- Bowel and bladder routines, including catheter care, as ordered
- Skin checks and pressure relief to prevent sores
- Watching for warning signs the care team has taught you, and following the emergency plan
- Breathing support or ventilator care for higher injuries
- Transfers, positioning and help with dressing and bathing
Every child is different. Your child's doctor writes the orders, and the care plan follows them.
Growing up with a spinal cord injury
As children grow, equipment needs to be refitted, transfers get heavier and teens want more privacy and independence. The care plan should grow with them, and changes should be shared with the doctor so GAPP documentation keeps up.
Teens with a spinal cord injury should plan early for adult services. 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
Children with spinal cord injuries often need both skilled routines and hands-on daily help.
- Pediatric home nursing (RN and LPN)
Catheter care, skin care and skilled routines.
- Trach and ventilator care at home
For higher injuries that affect breathing.
- Pediatric personal care
Transfers, dressing, bathing and positioning.
- Family Caregiver
Parents paid for the personal care hours they give.
Spinal cord injury: questions parents ask
Does GAPP cover home care after a child’s spinal cord injury?
When your child is under 21, has Georgia Medicaid and a doctor orders nursing or personal care, GAPP can cover it at no cost to your family.
Can a nurse handle catheter and bowel routines at home?
Yes, when they are part of your child’s doctor’s orders. The nurse follows the care plan written for your child.
Can I be paid for helping my child with daily care after the injury?
Through Ava’s Family Caregiver option, a parent can be hired as a W-2 employee and paid for approved personal care hours.
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