Nursing agency · RN and LPN
Pediatric home nursing in Atlanta, with RNs and LPNs paid for by Georgia Medicaid through GAPP.
Yes, a licensed nurse can care for your medically fragile child at home, at no cost to your family, when GAPP approves the hours. The nurse follows your child’s care plan so you can sleep, work or simply be a parent for a while.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Toll free (877) 891-5222
Which nurse does my child need?
Your child’s doctor and GAPP decide the level of care. Here is what each role does in your home.
- Does
- Assesses your child, writes and updates the care plan, handles complex skilled care.
- You’ll see them
- At the start of care, for supervisory visits, and on RN-level shifts.
- Does
- Gives skilled nursing care on shift under the RN’s plan and your doctor’s orders.
- You’ll see them
- On most scheduled nursing shifts.
- Does
- Daily living help, such as bathing, dressing and feeding.
- Learn more
- Pediatric personal care
Nursing services at home
Each of these has its own page with what a shift looks like and what to ask.
- Pediatric RN home care
Registered nurses for assessments, care plans and the most complex shifts.
- Pediatric LPN home care
Licensed practical nurses for most scheduled skilled nursing shifts.
- Trach and ventilator care at home
Airway, suctioning and ventilator support on shift.
- Complex respiratory care at home
Oxygen, BiPAP, cough assist and breathing treatments.
- Hospital-to-home transition
Getting nursing in place before and after discharge.
- G-tube feeding care at home
Tube feeds, site care and medicines through the tube.
- Seizure care at home
Watching, timing and responding to seizures per the plan.
What a nursing shift looks like
The nurse arrives, gets a handoff from you or the last nurse, and checks your child and the equipment. During the shift they give treatments, feeds and medicines on schedule, watch for changes, and write down what happened. At the end they hand off again so nothing is lost between shifts.
You stay the parent. You know your child best, and the nurse follows the plan your doctor signed, not a new set of house rules.
How we choose and support your nurse
- Background check before any home visit.
- References verified.
- Continuing training, including updates for your child’s equipment and orders.
- A direct line to leadership if something isn’t right.
Who home nursing is, and isn’t, a fit for
- A good fit
- Children under 21 with Georgia Medicaid and a daily skilled nursing need, such as a trach, ventilator, oxygen, tube feeds or seizures that need watching.
- Families coming home from a hospital stay with new equipment.
- Not a fit
- Children who need a sitter or childcare without a medical need.
- Care without a doctor’s order.
- Young adults 21 and older. GAPP ends at 21.
- Children whose needs are hands-on help only, without skilled tasks. That’s pediatric personal care.
- If a shift can’t be staffed
We tell you before the shift, keep recruiting for your case, and talk with you about Family Caregiver for the gaps.
Have this ready for the first call
- Your child’s age, diagnosis and Medicaid status (or that you’re applying).
- The name and phone number of the doctor who manages your child’s care.
- A rough picture of a normal day and a hard day.
Not sure what counts? The One Day of Care checklist walks you through a full day so nothing gets left out.
Questions to ask any nursing agency
- Who supervises the nurses on my child’s case, and how do I reach them?
- What happens if a nurse calls out? Will you tell me before the shift?
- How do you train nurses on my child’s specific equipment and orders?
- Can I meet or talk with a nurse before the first shift?
Home nursing questions
How many nursing hours will my child get through GAPP?
GAPP sets the weekly hours based on your child’s medical need and your doctor’s order. We help you describe what your days are really like so the request reflects them. No agency can promise a number of hours before GAPP decides.
Will it be the same nurse every time?
We aim for a small, steady team you get to know. When a nurse changes, we tell you first and introduce the new nurse.
Do I have to be home while the nurse is there?
It depends on your child’s care plan and the type of hours approved. Ask us on the call and we’ll explain what applies to your case.
What’s the difference between an RN and an LPN at home?
An RN assesses your child, writes and updates the care plan and handles the most complex care. An LPN gives skilled nursing care on shift under that plan. Many children have an RN for supervision and LPNs for most shifts.
Does home nursing cost my family anything?
Not for approved GAPP care. Georgia Medicaid pays Ava directly, and you won’t get a bill from us for approved hours.
Related care and help
- Family Caregiver program (paid parent caregiver)
Get paid as a W-2 employee of Ava for personal care hours.
- Conditions we care for
SMA, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, brain injury and more.
- GAPP application help
We prepare and submit the GAPP paperwork with you.
- One Day of Care checklist
List everything you do in a day before the doctor visit.
Ask about nursing care for your child.
(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