Condition · SMA
Home nursing for children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in Atlanta, built around breathing, feeding and positioning.
Children with SMA who are under 21 and on Georgia Medicaid can often get nursing and personal care at home through GAPP, at no cost to the family. Ava staffs those hours with nurses who follow your child’s care plan.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Toll free (877) 891-5222
What SMA is, in plain words
Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic condition that affects the nerve cells that control muscles. Over time it can weaken the muscles used for moving, swallowing, coughing and breathing.
How strongly it affects a child varies a lot. Some children sit and walk with support; others need help with breathing and feeding from early on.
What care at home often involves
- Breathing support such as BiPAP, cough assist or suctioning, as ordered
- Tube feeding or careful mealtime support when swallowing is hard
- Regular repositioning and careful transfers to protect joints and skin
- Watching for signs of a chest infection and following the emergency plan
- Help with bathing, dressing and toileting
Every child is different. Your child's doctor writes the orders, and the care plan follows them.
How care needs can change with age
Needs often shift as a child grows: a toddler may need more feeding and airway support, while a school-age child may need more help with positioning, equipment and getting through the school day. Newer treatments have changed what the future looks like for many families, so the care plan should be reviewed as your child changes.
GAPP hours are reviewed over time. When your child’s needs change, tell us and your doctor so the documentation keeps up.
Teens with SMA need an adult plan early. 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
Most children with SMA who come to Ava need a mix of skilled nursing and hands-on daily help.
- Complex respiratory care at home
Cough assist, BiPAP, suctioning and oxygen, as ordered.
- Trach and ventilator care at home
For children whose SMA care includes a trach or ventilator.
- Pediatric personal care
Bathing, dressing, positioning and transfers.
- Family Caregiver
Parents can be paid for personal care hours they already give.
Spinal muscular atrophy: questions parents ask
Can my child with SMA get free nursing at home in Georgia?
If your child is under 21, has Georgia Medicaid and a doctor orders the care, GAPP can cover nursing at home at no cost to your family. Ava helps you apply.
Do Ava nurses use cough assist and BiPAP machines?
Nurses follow your child’s doctor’s orders, including breathing equipment in the care plan. Tell us your child’s equipment on the first call so we match nurses who are trained on it.
My child with SMA doesn’t have Medicaid. What now?
Many children with serious medical needs qualify for Georgia Medicaid through the Katie Beckett pathway, which looks at the child’s needs rather than parent income. Call us and we will talk through where to start.
What happens when my child with SMA turns 21?
GAPP ends at 21 and adult programs are separate, with their own rules and waits. Start planning around 16. The 21 Clock tool walks you through it.
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